The Stooge
Encyclopedia
The Stooge is a 1952 American comedy film starring the comedy team of Martin and Lewis
. The film was released on December 31, 1952 by Paramount
.
Along the way Rogers is unaware that he is the real reason the act is a success, and becomes very loyal to Miller. Even though he receives no billing, he defends his "partner" when someone suggests he is being taken advantage of by Miller.
However, even Miller's wife Mary is ashamed of his treatment of Rogers...going so far as to threaten him with divorce. Miller is more determined than ever to prove he can make it as a single and fires Rogers, and promptly regrets his decision as his first act as a true solo artist flops. He address the audience and admits that the "stooge" was the true heart and soul of the act. Rogers, who is sitting in the audience, comes to his rescue by joining him onstage and the two finally become true partners!
films, Sailor Beware and Jumping Jacks
, this film was withheld from distribution by Paramount because they were concerned about the audience's reaction to the way Martin treated Lewis in the film.
Jerry Lewis has stated that this is his favorite Martin and Lewis film.
Martin and Lewis
Martin and Lewis were an American comedy team, comprising singer Dean Martin and comedian Jerry Lewis as the comedic "foil". The pair first met in 1945; their debut as a duo occurred at Atlantic City's 500 Club on July 24/25, 1946....
. The film was released on December 31, 1952 by Paramount
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film production and distribution company, located at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. Founded in 1912 and currently owned by media conglomerate Viacom, it is America's oldest existing film studio; it is also the last major film studio still...
.
Plot
Entertainer Bill Miller believes that he has the ability to become a solo performer. He and his partner Ben Bailey split up and go their separate ways. Miller fails miserably, and his manager, Leo Lyman thinks it would be a good idea to perform with a "stooge." Enter Ted Rogers, who plays an accident-prone foil for Miller. Soon afterwards, Miller's act is a hit.Along the way Rogers is unaware that he is the real reason the act is a success, and becomes very loyal to Miller. Even though he receives no billing, he defends his "partner" when someone suggests he is being taken advantage of by Miller.
However, even Miller's wife Mary is ashamed of his treatment of Rogers...going so far as to threaten him with divorce. Miller is more determined than ever to prove he can make it as a single and fires Rogers, and promptly regrets his decision as his first act as a true solo artist flops. He address the audience and admits that the "stooge" was the true heart and soul of the act. Rogers, who is sitting in the audience, comes to his rescue by joining him onstage and the two finally become true partners!
Cast
- Dean MartinDean MartinDean Martin was an American singer, film actor, television star and comedian. Martin's hit singles included "Memories Are Made of This", "That's Amore", "Everybody Loves Somebody", "You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You", "Sway", "Volare" and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?"...
as Bill Miller - Jerry LewisJerry LewisJerry Lewis is an American comedian, actor, singer, film producer, screenwriter and film director. He is best known for his slapstick humor in film, television, stage and radio. He was originally paired up with Dean Martin in 1946, forming the famed comedy team of Martin and Lewis...
as Theodore 'Ted' Rogers - Polly BergenPolly BergenPolly Bergen is an American actress, singer, and entrepreneur.-Career:Bergen appeared in many film roles, most notably in the original Cape Fear opposite Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum...
as Mary Turner - Marion MarshallMarion Marshall (actress)Marion Marshall is an American actress.Marshall's first film appearances were in the 20th Century Fox films Gentleman's Agreement and Daisy Kenyon in 1947...
as Genevieve 'Frecklehead' Tait - Eddie MayehoffEddie MayehoffEddie Mayehoff was an American actor.Probably his best known role was as Harold Lampson, the henpecked husband and incompetent lawyer in the 1965 comedy movie How to Murder Your Wife....
as Leo Lyman - Richard ErdmanRichard ErdmanRichard Erdman is an American film and television actor and director.-Notable roles:...
as Ben Bailey - Frances BavierFrances BavierFrances Elizabeth Bavier was an American stage and television actress. Originally from the New York theatre, Bavier worked in film and television from the 1950s...
as Mrs. Rogers
Production
The Stooge was filmed between February 19 and March 24, 1951 and although it was filmed before two other Martin and LewisMartin and Lewis
Martin and Lewis were an American comedy team, comprising singer Dean Martin and comedian Jerry Lewis as the comedic "foil". The pair first met in 1945; their debut as a duo occurred at Atlantic City's 500 Club on July 24/25, 1946....
films, Sailor Beware and Jumping Jacks
Jumping Jacks
Jumping Jacks is a 1952 film starring the comedy team of Martin and Lewis. The movie was released by Paramount Pictures.-Plot:Chick Allen is a paratrooper. He invites his former partner, Hap Smith , to help out with a show that he and the other soldiers are preparing...
, this film was withheld from distribution by Paramount because they were concerned about the audience's reaction to the way Martin treated Lewis in the film.
Jerry Lewis has stated that this is his favorite Martin and Lewis film.