MY FRIEND IRMA GOES WEST

US, 1950, 90 minutes, Black and white.
Marie Wilson, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Diana Lynn, John Lund, Coinne Calvet.
Directed by Hal Walker.

A sequel to the very popular My Friend Irma which was based on a radio programme by Cy Howard. He adapted this serial for the screen as a vehicle for the daffy comedienne Marie Wilson. John Lund portrayed a Damon Runyon-type producer on the dole and Diana Lynn was the heroine.

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were so popular in the original that they featured more prominently in the sequel. The film is American humour at its most basic. The usual questions can be asked - Dean Martin as the charming hero with a soft spot for Seymour (Jerry Lewis) although he is so often harsh with him. They illustrate American buddies.

Dean Martin sings and portrays a character veering towards stardom. Jerry Lewis has opportunities to imitate Bette Davis, play cards with a monkey and impersonate Red Indians. This was part of his cabaret act and of course, the clash with Martin as illustrated in his ruining Martin's song. Their comedy routines were to become a bit more sophisticated during their many films.

Diana Lynn plays the all-American girl - trying to take charge, ruining the situation, not wanting to be jealous but jealous of Dean Martin. John Lund’s character gets involved with Las Vegas gamblers and a kidnapping. Marie Wilson's tantalising her kidnappers is a good comic scene. There are many humorous sequences - in the American style which was to become the staple of American television