The Errand Boy

The Errand Boy is a classic American comedy film from 1961, directed by Jerry Lewis, who also plays the lead role. The supporting cast includes Brian Donlevy and Howard McNear. It's a whirl of physical comedy, mistaken identities, and humorous satirical jabs at Hollywood's film-making industry. The film unerringly captures the essence of Lewis' signature comedic brilliance and showcases his unprecedented brand of physical comedy.

In The Errand Boy, Jerry Lewis portrays Morty S. Tashman, a klutzy, bumbling, yet well-meaning chap who inadvertently becomes an 'errand boy' at Paramutual Pictures, a major Hollywood studio. This is a twist on the usual rags-to-riches narrative as Morty does not aspire for fame and fortune, yet finds himself in the midst of it all the same.

The film opens with the executives at the film studio noticing that there is an excessive amount of money being wasted. Unable to pinpoint the source of this leakage, Apex, the studio executive (played by Brian Donlevy) hatches a scheme to hire an anonymous individual who would unknowingly act as a corporate spy. Howard McNear plays an office manager role, and he becomes an unwitting supporter of Morty's chaotic misadventures.

Morty is hired as "errand boy" and in his job, is supposed to inadvertently discover the misappropriations within the studio, while Apex observes with his new closed-circuit surveillance system. Morty starts working in the mailroom, and soon, thanks to a series of misadventures and mishaps, he ends up in almost every department of the studio. Beginning from the basement mailroom, he winds his way through the winding corridors of the studio, all the way to the sound stages and even onto the sets of several movies.

However, things do not go as Apex expected. Morty's well-intentioned but clumsy nature disrupts the normal operations of the studio, leading to a series of hilarious incidents. The entire film flows in a laugh-out-loud trajectory as Morty's actions lead to funny and often disastrous consequences. He stumbles into screen tests, disrupts the sound stage, causes chaos in the prop room, and even accidentally lands a role in a musical. However, his honesty and good-natured charm also earn him the favor and love of many co-workers.

The Errand Boy is not just an ordinary comedy, but a bold satire at the glitz, glamour, and paradoxes of Hollywood. It is also a showcase of Lewis' trademark slapstick humor, coupled with exquisite miming sequences. One of the famous scenes includes the 'typewriter scene', a silent film homage where Morty pantomimes a symphony conductor using the sounds of a noisy room full of typists.

However, while the film frequent incites laughter, it doesn't shy away from glimpses into the sadness often found behind the scenes in Hollywood. Lewis masterfully blends the comedy with moments of sentiment, creating a balance of hilarity and depth. The Errand Boy presents a heartwarming and hilarious tale of the underdog who remains unchanged and unspoiled despite the false glamour and power of Hollywood.

The audience gets to see a cross-section of the movie industry of the early 60s, including the production process, studio operations, and the quirks of filmmaking. The Errand Boy is a laugh riot, but it also carries a slice of nostalgia from a bygone era, which is depicted with warmth and humor.

The film boasts the mesmerizing Jerry Lewis at his comedic best. It stands as a testament to his physical comedy capabilities, expressions, mime acts, and dedication to capturing the essence of humor even within the most common of situations. With an infectious energy and a never-dulling charm, Lewis drives the film as its protagonist.

While the comedy may be rooted in the era, with a wide array of classic film references, it still translates well into the universal language of laughter, making this film a timeless classic. Whether you're a fan of Jerry Lewis, or a film buff with a soft spot for vintage comedies, The Errand Boy is a delightful experience, reflecting the highs and lows of Hollywood's golden age, portrayed through a comedic lens.