Martin and Lewis (2002)

The story of the 10-year rocky relationship between Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

Director:

John Gray

Writers:

John Gray, Arthur Marx (book)

Stars:

Sean Hayes, Jeremy Northam, Paula Cale

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sean Hayes	...	Jerry Lewis
Jeremy Northam	...	Dean Martin
Paula Cale	...	Betty Martin
Sarah Manninen	...	Patti Lewis
Kate Levering	...	Jeanne Martin
Scott McCord	...	Abby Greshler
Steve Brinder	...	Danny Lewis
Rhona Shekter	...	Rae Lewis
Conrad Dunn	...	Lou Perry
Bill Lake	...	Hal Wallis
Tony Nappo	...	Jimmy Napoli
David Eisner	...	Lew Wasserman
Aron Tager	...	Max Coleman
Robert Morelli	...	Skinny D'Amato
Markus Parilo	...	Irwin Woolfe

Storyline

Even at the start of his singing career, Dean Martin is an impressive gentleman, big, tall, handsome, exquisitely dressed, fitting his nightingale voice and naturally classy appeal, even though his womanizing costs him enough in alimony to declare bankruptcy. Jerry Lewis on the other hand is an unsightly schmuck, whose buffoon version of stand-up comedy is an agent's nightmare. When he accepts playing MC in a show with Dean, he tries interacting with him, and they hit gold judging by the audience's reactions. Initially Dean wants to walk off and stay a solo act, but success as a duo is irresistible, and they rocket together, even in Hollywood. However in time they fall out of friendship as their characters and lifestyle clash, and Dean still dreams of solo success.

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Plot Keywords:

character names as title | dean martin character | jerry lewis character | three word title | 1950s | 

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Taglines:

Every end has a beginning.

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Jerry Lewis himself insisted on coaching Sean Hayes on how to portray him and his mugging and physical comedy accurately for the film.

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Goofs

In an early scene, when Sean Hayes drop plates on the floor, they don't break, but it sounds like they are.

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Connections

References Hollywood or Bust (1956)

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Soundtracks

That's Amore
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Jack Brooks
Performed by Jeremy Northam during a re-enactment of the Colgate Comedy Hour

User Reviews

above average TV fare if you're interested in the 50s

I was pulled into this movie, despite a clichéd and standard TV movie type script. This was probably due to the performances and good recreation of the times.

Sean Hayes does not look like Jerry Lewis but made a good stab at recreating his manic energy and routines. Only in the dramatic scenes did I feel a lack of insight in his performance.

Jeremy Northam convinced admirably with his laid back Dean Martin, unfortunately he had little material to work with script wise but got across Dino's couldn't care less attitude which rolled along for years with Lewis until he could take no more.

I think the fault with the movie was that it was made when only one of the duo has passed on, so perhaps there were Lewis traits that had to be down graded at the expense of Martin. However to be fair they did show some of Lewis's control freakery and joke stealing that led to the final breakup.

Still for a TV movie it was definitely above average, these 2 stars were huge successes in their partnership days, and each went on to show their own brand of showbiz genius as they went their separate ways afterwards. In the end a rather sad story.

Details

Official Sites:

CBS

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 November 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Verdadeira História de Martin e Lewis

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sony Pictures Television, St. Amos Productions, Storyline Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1