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Jerry Lewis, Alex Gerry, Bob Clayton, Bill Richmond, Eddie Shaeffer ... see more see more... , Sonny Sands , Milton Berle , Herkie Styles , David Landfield , Larry Best , Dr. Cary Middlecoff , Joe Levitch , Howard Brooks , B.S. Pully , Max 'Slapsie Maxie' Rosenbloom , Joe E. Ross , Isobel Elsom , Jimmy and Tilly Gerard , The Novelties , Walter Winchell , Sonnie Sands

Jerry Lewis now claims that his film directorial debut came about when his home studio, Paramount, needed a summer-release Lewis vehicle in a hurry. Jerry and his entourage headed to the Fountainbleu ... read more read more...hotel in Miami Beach, and 29 days later returned with The Bellboy. As narrator Walter Winchell (and an actor pretending to be a Paramount executive in a pre-credits bit) explain, the film has no plot and no point; it merely exists for the audience's enjoyment. Lewis plays nebbishy bellhop Stanley, a nonspeaking bumbler who alternates between screwing up and taking his job too seriously. The film's Tati-like gags involve a Volkswagen engine, an overweight guest, a woman with a come-hither voice, a very effective flash bulb, an episode at the Greyhound track, a golf tournament, and a passenger jet. Weaving in and out of the proceedings is Lewis' cowriter (and former drummer) Bill Richmond, made up as the spitting image of Stan Laurel (the real Laurel was approached to play himself, but he gently turned Jerry down, insisting that his aged appearance would disappoint his fans). Miami habitues B.S. Pully, Joe E. Ross, Cary Middlecoff, The Novelites make cameo appearances, as does Milton Berle. Made for peanuts, The Bellboy amassed a fortune, assuring that Jerry Lewis would be permitted to direct many of his own films in the future. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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68% liked it

4,562 ratings

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70% liked it

10 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 12 min.

Directed by: Jerry Lewis

Release Date: January 1, 1960

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DVD Release Date: October 12, 2004

Stats: 154 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (154)

  • skactopus
    January 25, 2011
    skactopus
    Jerry Lewis steps behind the camera, as well as in front, to construct a successful slapstick comedy known as The Bellboy.

    As stated in the beginning of the movie, there is no plot. In fact, the closest thing to a story is the hotel and bellboy concept that ties everyth

    ... read moreing together. As a whole, this picture is a series of comedic scenes that span a brief run time of 70+ minutes.

    Despite some misses, most of the humor is on the money and will generate laughs. Lewis' gags are straightforward and simple, which ends up generating an amusing experience. Having no plot makes it easier to concentrate on the comedy.

    Lewis not only writes, directs, and produces this film, but stars in it as well. He tackles both a side and lead role. His side character is himself and he does speak, but the main individual doesn't have much to say. He relies on facial expressions, body movements, and a catchy whistling tune to shine from scene to scene. Bill Richmond also comes through with a fun side character.

    The Bellboy brings the entertainment to the bellboy occupation. Relax and watch the bellboy get into mischief.
  • ileo
    December 25, 2007
    ileo
    Hilarious!
  • nysteve10805
    March 8, 2007
    nysteve10805
    Very Funny. Jerry on his own in this one without Deano! Very funny and unpredictable comedy unlike todays lousy comedians,(if you wanna call them that)
  • bonez771
    January 30, 2007
    bonez771
    ha ha ha ha ha! Bet you never thought I would watch something as old as this. Think again, and check out my list titled classics.

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Critic Reviews

Steve Crum
August 25, 2006
Steve Crum, Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers

For my meager money, Jerry Lewis' best & one of funniest all-time comedies.

Dennis Schwartz
January 15, 2006
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Jerry at his rawest and most creative. Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson
October 19, 2004
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

In spite of all the French jokes, Jerry Lewis' directorial debut, The Bellboy (1960), is nothing less than a masterpiece. Full Review

Eric Henderson
October 13, 2004
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine

The Bellboy is nearly silent, in what could easily be taken as a nod toward French comedy titan Jacques Tati. Full Review

Ken Hanke
November 26, 2003
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

One of Lewis' more successful outings.

June 19, 2008
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Eugene Archer
May 9, 2005
Eugene Archer, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

February 26, 2005
Hollywood Reporter

No review available.

Jonathan Rosenbaum
January 1, 2000
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

Click to read the article Full Review

Emanuel Levy
July 2, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

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The Bellboy Trivia

  • Who starred in ALL of the following: The Errand Boy, Cinderfella, The Bellboy, The Delicate Deliquent?  Answer »
  • In Home Alone 2...what does Kevin get the Butler the Bellboy and the Front Desk Clerk to do?  Answer »
  • Bellboy: You're father must be a smart man. Adam: My father is a genius.  Answer »
  • What movie is set in a hotel showcasing different rooms, directed by different directors, all linked by the bellboy. Starring Madonna, bruce willis, antonio banderis  Answer »
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