Sailor Beware: A Classic Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis Comedy Gem

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis made their screen debut in 1949, and in just three years, they had already starred in seven films, three of which were released in 1952. Sailor Beware was one of these films, solidifying the duo as one of the most popular in cinema at the time. Despite often weak scripts, the chemistry between the two, already well-established on stage, replicated itself on screen and attracted a captive audience, even if critics turned up their noses at the type of humor presented, especially Jerry Lewis’.

The Plot and Characters

Directed by Hal Walker, the film features Jerry Lewis as Melvin Jones, a naive young man who dreams of joining the Navy and becoming a “man.” While waiting in line, he meets Al Crowthers (Dean Martin), a ladies’ man who always gets the upper hand. While Melvin suffers from the pranks of his superiors, Al easily wins over friends and women but eventually takes pity on his friend.

The plot picks up pace when Melvin participates in a TV show and is crowned “Mister Temptation,” becoming the target of several girls who want to kiss him. His innocence and involuntary charm lead his colleagues to bet on whether he can kiss the famous actress Corinne Calvet. However, Melvin only has eyes for the sweet Hilda (Marion Marshall).

Special Appearances

Despite being considered one of the duo’s weaker films, Sailor Beware is saved by its comedic gags and special appearances. Early in the film, Betty Hutton, one of the great stars of the era, appears as one of Al’s girlfriends. Another notable appearance is that of Corinne Calvet, a French actress who built a career in Hollywood but never received the recognition she deserved.

The most curious appearance, however, is that of James Dean, who at the time was trying to make his mark in cinema while participating in TV shows and theater plays. His brief participation in the film is a valuable record of an icon who was yet to come.

Despite the criticism, Sailor Beware is an example of the unique chemistry between Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, which captivated audiences and ensured the duo’s success in cinema. The film may not be a masterpiece, but it is an important piece of classic cinema history and the legacy of two of the greatest names in entertainment.

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Carla Marinho Leal

Writer, traveler and above all, curious about many subjects. She has studied cinema since 2002 and is a Specialist in Cinematographic Studies from UNICAP. Founder of the blog Purviance and the website Cinemaclássico. She loves Charles Chaplin, Raj Kapoor and constantly browses films from all over the world.

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