The Bellboy is a 1960 comedy film starring, written by, produced by and directed by Jerry Lewis. The film was released on July 20, 1960 by Paramount Pictures.

Plot[link]

A movie studio executive introduces the movie, explaining that the film itself has no plot, but simply shows Jerry Lewis as Stanley, the bellboy, getting in many ridiculous situations, bumbling his way from one scene to the next. Stanley does not speak, except for the very end of the movie. Lewis also appears in a speaking role, playing himself, escorted by a large ensamble cast and crew burdening his experience to the front desk and there after, emerges his bellhop counter-part simultameously from a crowded elevator.

Production[link]

It was filmed from February 8 to March 5, 1960 and marked Jerry Lewis' debut as a director. Filming took place at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. Lewis would film during the day and perform in the nightclub at night.

Before filming began, Lewis consulted his friend, film legend Stan Laurel, about the script. Since Laurel had worked in silent films and was familiar with pantomime, he offered suggestions to Lewis for the film. It is unknown if Lewis actually used any of Laurel's ideas in the production.^[1]

The film marked an early use of a video assist system. Lewis needed a way to see the action as a director, even though he was in the scene.

Paramount wanted to have a Jerry Lewis movie for summer release (in North America). The movie that they wanted to release was Cinderfella, which had finished shooting in December 1959. Lewis wanted to hold back the release of that movie for the Christmas holiday and Paramount only agreed if Jerry could deliver them another movie for summer release. Therefore, while playing an engagement in Miami Beach, Lewis came up with this movie.

Cameos[link]

Milton Berle was in town performing at another hotel while Lewis was shooting the picture and he agreed to make an appearance as himself and in a dual role as another bellboy. Comedian (and future co-writer with Lewis on many of Jerry's subsequent films) Bill Richmond does several "cameos" as Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy fame. Professional golfer Cary Middlecoff, the "Golf Doctor," appeared in the film as himself.

Box office performance[link]

The film grossed about $10 million in the USA alone.^[2]

In pop culture[link]

A clip of this film was used in one of Apple's iPhone commercials, where Jerry and other notable actors pick up the phone and say "Hello?"

DVD release[link]

• Bellboydvd.jpg

  October 12, 2004

References[link]

External links[link]

• The Bellboy at the Internet Movie Database
• The Bellboy at the TCM Movie Database
• The Bellboy at AllRovi
• The Bellboy at Rotten Tomatoes
• Review at TVGuide.com