The Man from the Diners' Club

The Man from the Diners' Club is an innovative and quirky comedy from 1963, directed by Frank Tashlin and starring the ever-versatile Danny Kaye. Employing his distinctive brand of physical humor, Kaye is the shining star of this uproarious comedy-thriller, sharing the screen with the talented Cara Williams and Martha Hyer.

Danny Kaye plays the role of Ernest Klenk, a highly-strung employee of the credit card organization, The Diners Club. Although Ernest is genuinely determined to succeed in his job, his neurotic, bumbling, and incredibly efficiency-seeking nature becomes the cause of a major blunder that drives the movie's plot.

Endowed with a fascination for machines over humans, Ernest makes a specific set of measures to maximize his productivity and minimize error at his job. Ironically, his mechanical efficiency lands him into trouble one day when he erroneously approves a credit card for a notorious gangster. The gangster, played by Telly Savalas, adds a thrilling element to the story and provides many opportunities for hilarious running gags throughout the movie.

This leads Ernest into a whirlwind of chaos, hilarity, and suspense as he tries to retrieve the card before it's too late. Dodging members of the mob and teaming up with a potential love interest, the rollercoaster of events that follow sees Ernest stumble, fumble and trip his way through beleaguered attempts to fix his blunder.

Cara Williams beautifully complements Kaye's comedic antics with her role as Lucy, a lovable nightclub singer with a chaotic life of her own. Despite being the girlfriend of a mobster, her charming innocence and complex relationship with Ernest add an extra layer of comedy and romance to the narrative. Martha Hyer, on the other hand, plays the role of Mabel, Ernest's level-headed and practical-minded co-worker, whose admiration for Ernest's quirky character leads to an interesting romantic subplot.

The Man from the Diners' Club isn't just a comedy spectacle. It explores the harrowing modern realities of efficiency and face-paced city life and wraps it amusingly around the concept of the then-emergent credit card industry. Despite being set in the '60s, many of the themes and the humor remain relevant today, making it a timeless classic.

From scenes in the hectic Diners' Club central offices to the glittering nightclubs frequented by the characters, the movie paints a vivid picture of life and chaos in a big city. These bustling landscapes not only provide a farcical backdrop for the unfolding mayhem, but they also give an intriguing snapshot of a bygone era.

Director Frank Tashlin, with his cartoonist background and a penchant for visual humor, ensures that the comedy isn't just limited to Kaye's performance but is infused throughout the film. The supporting cast, as well as the creative filming techniques employed, contribute to the consistent humor running throughout the narrative.

Amid the fast-paced comedy, hints of romance, action, and suspense, it is Kaye's charming performance as the well-meaning yet hopelessly accident-prone Ernest that truly steals the show. Supported by Telly Savalas's performance as a gangster and the charming presence of Cara Williams and Martha Hyer, the film boasts a perfectly balanced cast.

The Man from the Diners’ Club is a delight for those who appreciate light-hearted, non-stop hilarity interwoven with fast-paced action and suspense. Coupled with Danny Kaye's compelling performance and Tashlin's innovative direction, the movie guarantees laughter from start to finish.

In conclusion, The Man from the Diners' Club is a classic comedy of errors that delivers on all fronts. It is a glimmering gem of 60's cinema and a must-watch for any fan of the classic comedy genre. As it takes a humorous plunge into newfound credit card culture, it leaves no stone unturned to offer laughs and thrills in equal measure, with Danny Kaye's fantastic performance lying at its heart.