Watch The Delicate Delinquent

The Delicate Delinquent, a 1957 movie featuring the comic genius of Jerry Lewis, is a delightful and charming comedy-drama about a hapless young man who is deemed a juvenile delinquent by the law. Jerry Lewis plays the role of Sidney L. Pythias, a clumsy, scatterbrained and good-hearted errand boy who works at a local delivery company. When he mistakenly delivers a package of stolen goods to a gang of hoodlums, he is arrested and sent to a juvenile detention center.

Although he is not a delinquent, Sidney struggles to adapt to his new surroundings, but he quickly makes friends with other young inmates who also find themselves in trouble with the law. His cellmate, Vic, a tough kid from the streets, takes Sidney under his wing and teaches him the ropes of life behind bars.

When Sidney is released from the detention center, he finds himself unable to find a job due to his criminal record. As a result, he turns to a life of crime, but is quickly caught by the police. It is at this moment that Sidney is given a second chance by a police officer named Mike Damon, played by the talented Darren McGavin.

Officer Damon sees potential in Sidney and takes him under his wing, hoping to set him on the right path. He arranges for him to enroll in the police academy with the hope that Sidney can become a productive member of society and live a life free from crime.

Throughout the movie, we see Sidney's transformation from a bumbling and naïve young man into a responsible and mature adult, thanks to the guidance of Officer Damon. We also see Sidney fall in love with a beautiful, upper-class girl named Martha, played by the stunning Martha Hyer.

The Delicate Delinquent is a heartwarming story that tackles the issues of juvenile delinquency and the importance of second chances. Jerry Lewis shines in his role as Sidney, delivering his trademark physical humor along with heartfelt moments of sincerity. Martha Hyer brings a touch of elegance and grace to the movie, while Darren McGavin portrays the role of a wise and compassionate mentor with great skill and poise.

The movie is well-directed by Don McGuire, who captures the essence of the story and its characters with great sensitivity and clarity. The script, written by McGuire along with Lou Breslow, is both funny and poignant, providing a great balance between comedy and drama.

In essence, The Delicate Delinquent is a timeless classic that is still relevant today in its message of hope, redemption and the power of second chances. It is a movie that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, as its themes are universal and its story is timeless.

The Delicate Delinquent is a 1957 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.