"That's My Boy" is among the earliest films of either Jerry Lewis or Dean Martin, and also of their pairing. Lewis hadn't yet developed - or "polished" his over-the-top slapstick and goofiness. Although a comedy, this film has a touch of drama and resembles any number of similar films centered around college sports. The aspect of a star football player helping out another kid who's lacking in talent will be familiar to most who have watched many movies from the mid-20tdh century.
As would be expected, Dean Martin is the grid iron star, Bill Baker. His dad is a poor guy, in poor health, who works for a wealthy, former Ridgeville College star, Jarring Jack Jackson. He is still the picture of health and healthy living in middle age and is a successful big businessman. Now he's a big benefactor for the college. And, as long-time movie buffs will know or be able to imagine, it's he who has the weak son, physically. Naturally, that's Jerry Lewis. But, his Junior Jackson likes football and would like to play. So, with Bill's help (and dad's money) he makes the team.
The best comedy in this film comes from Eddie Mayehoff who plays Jarring Jack Jackson. He does the blustery, "they don't make 'em like me anymore" character superbly. Naturally there's a girl or two - Marion Marshall plays Terry Howard and Polly Bergen is Babs Hunter. I really didn't recognize Bergen as a 21-year-old in this film. This was just her fifth film.
There aren't many laughs in this film. Football fans will get a kick out of the action scenes on the field, including Junior's goofs and glory. This doesn't have the depth of a real sports drama such as "Brian's Song," or "The Pride of the Yankees" or any number of other mostly bio-pic sports films. Without that, it needed more comedy than it has to put it over as a very good film. It's one of the lesser Dean Martina and Jerry Lewis efforts.
But for the performances of Mayehoff as Junior's dad, and Ruth Hussey as his mother, Ann Jackson, this film would rate one star fewer. Jackson has a slogan sign in his office that reads, ""Guts is what counts." Here are the better lines in the film.
Jarring Jack Jackson, "Since when does the former Olympic women's swimming champ get out of breath?" Ann Jackson, "As of now."
Jarring Jack, "And don't call me sir. It sounds like I'm training you to be an English butler."
Bill Baker, "Cyrano de Bergerac? Didn't he play end for Cornell?"
Jarring Jack, "Is there anything worse?" Ann Jackson, "Yes. He could've been a criminal." Jarring Jack, "That wouldn't have been so bad. Then at least we could've sent him away and no one would know."
Jarring Jack, "Ann, are you sure he's our son?" Ann Jackson, "Oh, stop it, Jack. He was born at home."
Jarring Jack, "Of course, you can't pass like me, or run like me. You don't hit the line like I used to, but you remind me a little of me." Bill Baker, "Well, there'll never be another you, sir." Jackson, "Thank you, son."
