Pardners

Pardners is a comedy picture produced in the year 1956, and features an ensemble cast including Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and Lori Nelson. The film is a perfect blend of entertainment, hilarious situations, colorful characters, and melodious songs with an old western setting that makes it a joy to watch.

The storyline of the film is set in motion when two East Coast city boys, Wade Kingsley Jr. (Dean Martin) and Slim Mosely Jr. (Jerry Lewis), inherit a ranch in the Wild West, practically stepping directly into their fathers' cowboy boots. The ranch, however, is under threat due to a reckless land grab scheme perpetrated by ruthless cattle thieves. Both Kingsley and Mosely Jr. are descendants of former wranglers who were partners but were tragically ambushed by these cow thieves. Their children, inheriting not just the property but also their fathers' debts and enemies, decide to travel west to protect their ownership.

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis are paired up as an unlikely duo in this film, with Martin as the smooth, charismatic Kingsley Jr., the exact replica of his cowboy father, while Lewis plays the hilarious and bumbling Mosely Jr., who is terrified of everything western. Their contrasting characters add to the film's humor, as they navigate their journey of becoming genuine cowboys. This journey comprises various related funny stints, bull riding, cattle wrangling, and eventually standing up to the cattle thieves.

The film boasts some exceptional comedy scenes that work marvelously, courtesy of Lewis's comedic brilliance and Martin's straight-man act. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as Lewis’s character fumbles and stumbles his way through the rugged landscapes of the West, attempting to adopt a lifestyle that he is glaringly unsuited for. On the other hand, Martin's character slides smoothly into his cowboy role, winning hearts with his charm and vocal talents, providing the audience with several delightful musical numbers.

Lori Nelson is also in the film as young and vibrant Carol Kingsley, a rancher's daughter and the potential love interest of both our leading men. Nelson delivers a wonderful performance, showcasing a combination of wit, charm, and beauty that perfectly compliment the double act of Martin and Lewis.

Pardners makes clever use of situational comedy interspersed with the inherent amusement of city slickers trying to adjust to country life. The film manages to capture the spirit of the old west, with a lively saloon musical sequence, horse chases, and breathtaking western landscapes. The cinematography adds to the film’s appeal, lending it an authentic western feel.

The direction of the film is in the capable hands of director Norman Taurog, who managed to bring out the best from both Martin and Lewis, creating synchronization between their roles, something that is often hard to achieve in comedy duos. Taurog also effectively balances the humor with the action, romance, and melodic tunes, ensuring that Pardners doesn't lose its footing in any one aspect and stays entertaining throughout.

To conclude, Pardners stands as a classic iconic comedy that thrives on the strengths of its lead performers. The film is a perfect escape to a world of slapstick comedy, replete with charismatic performances, unforgettable musical numbers, and stunning western landscapes. With its blend of comedy, romance, and western drama, Pardners offers an entertaining viewing experience that remains enjoyable even over six decades after its initial release. This film is a must-watch for all comedy lovers and fans of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. It is not just a comedy film to be watched but an experience to be thoroughly enjoyed. It's sure to bless any viewer with an abundance of laughter and entertainment, making it a cinematic gem of its time.