Money from Home (1953)

Money from Home Poster

Herman owes a lot of gambling debts. To pay them off, he promises the mob he'll fix a horse, so that it does not run. He intends to trick his animal-loving cousin Virgil, an apprentice veterinarian, into helping him. Of course, he doesn't tell Virgil what he is really up to. Mistaken identities are assumed, while along the way, Virgil meets a female vet and Herman falls for the owner of the horse.

Film Overview
"Money from Home" is a 1953 American comedy movie directed by George Marshall and produced by Hal B. Wallis. It stars renowned comedy duo Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in their first color movie together. The movie, presented in sepia tone, focus its vivid 1950s vintage visual. It is embeded in the world of horse racing and stands as the duo's 11th film together in their series of easy going comedic hits. It also includes Marjie Millar, Pat Crowley, and Richard Haydn in supporting functions.

Storyline
The film opens in New York, where Herman "Honey Talk" Nelson (Jerry Lewis), a confirmed gambler, owes money to bookmaker Jumbo Schneider (Sheldon Leonard). Schneider provides to forgive Nelson's debts if Nelson travels to Maryland and makes sure that a specific horse does not win a high-stakes race. Concurring, Nelson ropes in his typically upstanding cousin, Virgil Yokum (Dean Martin), a veterinarian, with the prepared story that the horse, My Sheba, is sick and requires treatment.

Twist in Plot
Upon arrival in Maryland, the circumstance becomes more made complex as Virgil falls for the horse's owner, Phyllis Leigh (Marjie Millar), while Honey Talk ends up being taken with Bertie Searles (Pat Crowley). Feeling guilty, Nelson decides that he doesn't want to spoil My Sheba's possibilities any longer. He attempts to stop his cousin from providing the horse the 'treatment'. Yet, Yokum, not understanding the true background, insists on administering what he believes to be the ideal medication.

Stress and Resolution
Honey Talk's continuous attempts to stop Virgil produce comedic stress and confusion. To increase the film's stress, Schneider sends his henchmen to guarantee Nelson does not break their offer. A high-wire act of farce, funny, and tension unfolds, causing an eventful race day where My Sheba, regardless of the odds, winds up winning. The movie fixes with Honey Talk and Virgil outsmarting Schneider and his henchmen while winning their women' hearts.

Cast Performances
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis's comedic chemistry is the film's driving force, and they bring their characters to life. Lewis's conventional slapstick funny and Martin's smooth appeal and singing skill produce an engaging duo. Their funny is improved by the supporting cast's efficiencies, which adds depth and diversity to the story.

Conclusion
"Money from Home" is a comical romp filled with horse racing, bookmakers, and a dash of love. With a lot of laughs and tunes thanks to the renowned Martin and Lewis duo, this movie uses innocent enjoyable and easy going home entertainment. It depicts an unique blend of funny and romance against the background of a high-stakes horse race, making the film a pleasurable comedic experience for its audience. Countless mix-ups, fever-pitched thriller, and Martin and Lewis's sparkling funny make "Money from Home" a memorable movie from the 1950s.

Top Cast

  • Dean Martin (small)
    Dean Martin
    Herman Nelson
  • Jerry Lewis (small)
    Jerry Lewis
    Virgil Yokum
  • Marjie Millar (small)
    Marjie Millar
    Phyllis Leigh
  • Pat Crowley (small)
    Pat Crowley
    Autumn Claypool
  • Richard Haydn (small)
    Richard Haydn
    Bertie Searles
  • Robert Strauss (small)
    Robert Strauss
    Seldom Seen Kid
  • Gerald Mohr (small)
    Gerald Mohr
    Marshall Preston
  • Sheldon Leonard (small)
    Sheldon Leonard
    Jumbo Schneider
  • Romo Vincent (small)
    Romo Vincent
    Poojah
  • Jack Kruschen (small)
    Jack Kruschen
    Short Boy
  • Frank Nelson (small)
    Frank Nelson
    Radio Exercise Instructor (voice) (uncredited)