Watch The Patsy

The Patsy is a classic comedy film released in 1964 and directed by and starring comedic genius Jerry Lewis. Joining him onscreen are Ina Balin and Everett Sloane. The movie is about a young man named Stanley Belt (Jerry Lewis), who feels overshadowed by his family, particularly his older brother, who is a successful comedian. Stanley, who is consistently neglected and overlooked, dreams of becoming a comedian himself.

His big break comes when his brother dies suddenly, leaving Stanley as the only remaining member of the family with comedic talent. His brother’s manager, Harry Silver (Everett Sloane), sees potential in him and takes him under his wing. However, Silver sees Stanley as nothing more than a joke and decides to use him as a puppet to further his own agenda. Stanley is initially oblivious to this exploitation, but eventually comes to see the truth, and with the help of his newfound love interest, Ellen Betz (Ina Balin), he decides to take control of his own career and find success on his own terms.

The Patsy is a classic Jerry Lewis comedy that showcases his unique and eccentric brand of humor. Much of the movie revolves around the physical comedy that Lewis is so famous for, with plenty of scenes featuring slapstick humor and his trademark facial expressions. However, the movie also delves into more serious subjects, particularly the idea of being a “patsy” or a fool, which is a theme that runs throughout the film.

In addition to his role as the lead character, Lewis also directed the movie, and his offbeat style is evident throughout. There are plenty of surreal moments and bizarre scenes that are typical of his directorial efforts. However, despite the overall wackiness of the movie, there are also moments of genuine emotion, particularly in the scenes between Stanley and Ellen, which are unexpectedly tender and sincere.

One of the standout performances in the movie is from Everett Sloane, who plays the conniving manager, Harry Silver. Sloane portrays the character with gleeful malice, making him both a villainous and comedic presence. Ina Balin also shines in her role as Ellen Betz, bringing a sense of groundedness and sweetness to the movie. Balin and Lewis have a natural chemistry that makes their scenes together particularly enjoyable.

The Patsy is a perfect example of the Jerry Lewis formula – a mixture of visual gags, zany characters, and heartfelt moments. The movie has plenty of laughs, but also manages to deliver a message about being true to oneself and standing up for what is right. Even though it was released over 50 years ago, the movie still holds up well today as a testament to Lewis’s enduring comedic talent.

In conclusion, The Patsy is a classic comedy movie that showcases Jerry Lewis at his best. With his unique blend of physical humor and heartfelt sincerity, Lewis creates a movie that is both hilarious and surprisingly poignant. Despite its age, the movie is still enjoyable today, and is a must-watch for fans of classic comedies.

The Patsy is a 1964 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 6.2 and a MetaScore of 57.