Jumping Jacks
The Stooge
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Jumping Jacks
Directed by Norman Taurog.
With Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Mona Freeman.
US, 1952, 35mm, black & white, 96 min.
Print source: Harvard Film Archive
A paratrooper (Martin) calls on his old vaudeville partner (Lewis) to revive their act to entertain his fellow soldiers. In order to perform at the military base, the hapless comedian poses as an enlisted man and must convince his friend's superiors that he is skilled in parachuting, leading to a series of riotous misunderstandings which place the untrained soldier deep in enemy territory. The most successful of the duo's military comedies features Jerry flailing in army gear while Deano croons "Do the Parachute Jump."
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The Stooge
Directed by Norman Taurog.
With Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Polly Bergen.
US, 1953, 35mm, black & white, 100 min.
Print source: Harvard Film Archive
Jerry Lewis cited The Stooge as his favorite onscreen pairing with Dean Martin, perhaps due to the film's seemingly autobiographical content. Martin plays a nightclub singer whose career is stalled until he is paired with an outrageous vaudeville comedian played by Lewis. As their stars rise, the singer decides to go solo, only to be heckled during his performances by his former partner. Although filmed prior to Jumping Jacks, the film was shelved for two years in favor of one of the duo's more commercially successful military comedies.
Part of film series
Screenings from this program
Ballad of a Soldier / The Forty-First
Nightfall / Great Day in the Morning
Verboten! / Dead Pigeon on Beethoven Street
I'll Never Forget What's 'is Name / The Jokers
Hearts of the World / True Heart Susie
Anna Christie / The Long Voyage Home
Suddenly Last Summer / The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone
Quiet Days in Clichy / Henry and June
The Freshman / The Sin of Harold Diddlebock
The Sheep Has Five Legs / The Law is the Law
Hobson's Choice / Sidewalks of London
I Know Where I'm Going / Outcast of the Islands
An Inspector Calls / The Belles of St. Trinian's
Mother Joan of the Angels / Thérèse
Dawn of the Dead / Strange Behavior
