Watch The Man from the Diners' Club

The Man from the Diners' Club is a black and white comedy film from the early 1960s, starring the legendary Danny Kaye as the hapless protagonist, Ernest Klenk. Directed by Frank Tashlin, the film also features Cara Williams as Klenk's love interest, and Martha Hyer as the scheming femme fatale who comes between them. The plot revolves around Klenk, a mild-mannered employee at the Diners' Club credit card company, who finds himself embroiled in a series of zany misadventures when he accidentally approves a $10,000 credit card charge for a shady character named Foots Pulardos (played by Telly Savalas). After realizing his mistake, Klenk is given an ultimatum by his boss: recover the money within 24 hours or face the consequences.

From there, the film follows Klenk's frantic attempts to retrieve the money, which lead him on a wild goose chase through New York City, pursued by Pulardos, a comically inept hitman, and a series of other oddball characters. Along the way, Klenk meets Williams' character, Kasey, a struggling artist who becomes his love interest and gives him unexpected help on his mission.

Throughout the film, Kaye's signature brand of physical comedy and clever wordplay is on full display, as he navigates one absurd situation after another. From a madcap car chase through the streets of New York, to an epic dance-off in a nightclub, to a hilarious encounter with a group of nuns, Kaye's performance is a tour de force of comedic timing and energy.

At the same time, The Man from the Diners' Club also has a surprising amount of heart, with Kaye's character evolving from a meek and downtrodden nerd into a braver, more assertive man who stands up for what he believes in. Williams brings warmth and charm to her role, creating a believable and endearing love story that adds a layer of depth to the film.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with Hyer's portrayal of the sultry and manipulative Lydia, and Savalas' scenery-chewing turn as the menacing Pulardos, adding plenty of memorable moments to the film.

Overall, The Man from the Diners' Club is a hilarious and entertaining romp through 1960s New York, showcasing the talents of one of the era's most beloved comedians. With its blend of slapstick humor, clever wit, and heartwarming romance, it's a movie that's sure to leave audiences laughing and smiling long after the credits roll.

The Man from the Diners' Club is a 1963 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.