Hollywood or Bust (1956)

Overview
"Hollywood or Bust" is a 1956 theatrical American funny film directed by Frank Tashlin. The movie integrates the comedic skills of Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin in their last feature film together. Anita Ekberg, Pat Crowley, and numerous Hollywood stars also make appearances in this light-hearted motion picture.

Plot Summary
Hollywood or Bust primarily focuses on the adventures of Steve Wiley (Dean Martin) and Malcolm Smith (Jerry Lewis). Wiley, a smooth-talking bookie who owes a significant sum of cash to a gangster, discovers a vehicle raffle. On realizing he has no winning tickets, he fixes the raffle to protect the grand prize, a convertible.
Malcolm Smith, a Jerry Lewis obsessed fan, genuinely wins the cars and truck, however Wiley finesses the scenario and encourages Smith that they must share the automobile. They select taking a cross-country trip from New York to Hollywood, where Smith intends to fulfill the things of his infatuation - actress, Anita Ekberg.

Key Events
As the set journey throughout the country, they experience various comedic hijinks, in addition to Smith's Great Dane, Mr. Bascom, who has an uncanny ability to predict horse racing winners. Wiley tries to ditch Smith several times to offer the car and repay his financial obligation however fails consistently.

Their escapades consist of a hot-air balloon pursuit, escape from a pool filled with alligators, and they typically find themselves lacking cash. Throughout, the treacherous Wiley fails to make the most of Mr. Bascom's astonishing knack for selecting the winning horses due to their consistent crisis of funds.

Climax
Once they reach Hollywood, Wiley finally tries to offer the car, but a gangster, whom Wiley owes cash, interrupts him. Upon finding out about the pet's unbelievable skill, the gangster decides to kidnap Mr. Bascom to use him for gambling. However, Smith, Wiley, and Ekberg (whom they satisfy at her studio) handle to rescue Mr. Bascom. In a climactic car chase and an explosive ending, they defeat the gangsters.

Conclusion
In the end, Smith gets his heart's desire of meeting and dancing with Anita Ekberg. Wiley has a change of heart, choosing not to offer the automobile and rather prompts Smith to keep it. Their journey ends on a pleased note with the 3 of them and Mr. Bascom driving off into the Hollywood sundown.

Overall Rating
"Hollywood or Bust" is a fun, light-hearted funny that showcases the comedic strength of Jerry Lewis and the charismatic Dean Martin. While it depends on slapstick and situational funny, the breezy plot and appealing performances keep the viewer captivated throughout.

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