THE DELICATE DELINQUENT
US, 1957, 101 minutes, Black and white.
Jerry Lewis, Darren Mc Gavin, Martha Hyer, Horace Mc Mahon.
Directed by Don Mc Guire.
The Delicate Delinquent is the first solo film for Jerry Lewis. Dean Martin was intended for the role taken by Darren Mc Gavin but, allegedly, he did not want to appear in police uniform on screen.
The film offers Jerry Lewis as a delinquent, taken care of by a policeman, reforming, going through the academy to become a policeman himself. It is the usual Jerry Lewis style – with the touch of mania.
Don Mc Guire was an actor-writer who directed a few films from the mid-50s to the mid-60s including Johnny Concho with Frank Sinatra.
1.The success of the film as a Jerry Lewis vehicle? Comedy style, routines, gags and dialogue? How much more than comedy was it attempting?
2.The first solo Jerry Lewis film? Comedy styles of 1957, social issues, black and white? Music?
3.The audience response to the characterisations, antics, comic styles, the judo?
4.The delinquents of the 50s? Background, toughness, lack of opportunities? Society criticism against them? The film’s taking a stance in favour of them and their being given a chance, the development of their innate goodness? How convincing?
5.The portrayal of the police in contrast to the delinquents? Problems of the city, keeping law and order, police administration? Antagonism of the delinquents, criminal behaviour? Where did responsibility and blame lie?
6.The character of Mike Damon? As policeman, delinquent background? Place in the police force, wanting to prove his point, project and reliance on Sidney? The encounter with Martha, their clashes? The bond between them, love? What had they achieved by the end of the film?
7.Martha as heroine, type, social worker? Antagonising Sidney? The clash with Mike, falling in love and combining efforts?
8.Sidney as a Jerry Lewis character? Work as a janitor, social status and place, mixing with the delinquents? Sharing their blame, being used, an object of help? How was he patronised? The effect on him? Wanting to be nice to Martha, friendship with Mike? The decision about the police force – humorous side, serious side? The comedy of the routines and his training? Ultimate success?
9.An appropriate humorous cinema vehicle for a particular social plea?
