Pardners (1956)

Pardners Poster

Rich momma's boy Wade Kingsley Jr. an Eastern dude, tries to follow in his murdered father's footsteps by returning to the West to partner up with Slim Moseley Jr.,the son of his father's former partner. Wade overcomes Slim's initial reluctance to accept him by using his fortune to buy a prize cow and new car to help Slim in his job as foreman on the Kingsley family ranch, currently under siege by a gang of outlaws called "masked raiders." Wade generously tries to pay off the ranch's mortgage with $15,000 of his own money, but unfortunately neither "pardner" realizes that respected banker Dan Hollis, the son of their fathers' murderer, is the leader of the gang.

Film Overview
"Pardners" is a 1956 American musical comedy Western film. The film, directed by Norman Taurog, stars famous funny duo Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. "Pardners" is a lively funny that blends Martin and Lewis' distinct brand of humor with Western movie tropes, culminating in a movie that's complete of gags, tunes, and action.

Plot
The movie kicks-off in the Old West, where 2 rugged cowboys, Slim Mosely Sr. and Wade Kingsley Sr., best friends and organization partners, own a large ranches. They've earned the regard of their fellow ranchers, but jealousy and greed lead their uneven neighbour, masked bandit Pete Rio, to outline their murder throughout a cattle drive.

In the taking place shootout, both Slim and Wade are eliminated, but not prior to they make a pact that their particular households will always stick together. Cut to a forward dive of a number of years, we're introduced to their citified and somewhat effete descendants, Slim Mosely Jr. (Dean Martin) and Wade Kingsley Jr. (Jerry Lewis), cohabiting on an East coast farm with Slim managing it and Wade offering the comedy relief as an inept farmhand.

Dispute and Resolution
When they get news that their inherited land out West is being trespassed upon by the exact same family of burglars, they decide to honour their dad's pact and go back to claim their inheritance. They get here in the lawless town still controlled by the Rio gang. Their sharp contrast to the standard Western cowboy stereotype, with their city characters and behaviour, produces plenty of comic bickering and slapstick gags, which often end with the 2 in compromising or absurd circumstances.

Slim is more assertive and attempts to adapt quickly, while Wade is a complete fish out of water, frequently the comedic center. Nevertheless, their combined efforts slowly win over the townsfolk. On the other hand, the duo's arrival has stirred up problem with the Rio gang, leading to a number of bouts and encounters (filled with funny and action) leading to a comedic finale where the 2 not likely heroes, through disorderly occasions, remarkably handle to conquer the Rios.

Performances and Acclaim
Dean Martin is lovely as the dim-witted, clumsy but good-hearted Wade and Jerry Lewis excels at playing the klutzy, passionate Slim, who is always prepared to face the obstacles despite his ineptitude. Their chemistry is a key element in the film's success, boosting the general hilarity and entertainment quotient.

"Pardners" was among the final motion pictures where the comedic talents of Martin and Lewis were on display screen prior to their expert collaboration ending. The film was well received by audiences and performed comparably well at package workplace, sealing Martin and Lewis's legacy as one of the most renowned comedy duos in movie history.

Last Thoughts
"Pardners" is a mix of comedy and Western, with a fascinating juxtaposition of 2 contrasting characters in a lawless environment, that made for an amusing watch. The movie capitalized on the chemistry of its leads and the amusing narrative, acquiring its place as a classic in the comedy-western category, exposing how well humor can blend with action in the Old West backdrop.

Top Cast

  • Dean Martin (small)
    Dean Martin
    Slim Mosely Jr. / Slim Mosely Sr.
  • Jerry Lewis (small)
    Jerry Lewis
    Wade Kingsley Jr. / Wade Kingsley Sr.
  • Lori Nelson (small)
    Lori Nelson
    Carol Kingsley
  • Jeff Morrow (small)
    Jeff Morrow
    Pete Rio
  • Lon Chaney Jr. (small)
    Lon Chaney Jr.
    Whitey
  • Lee Van Cleef (small)
    Lee Van Cleef
    Gus
  • Jack Elam (small)
    Jack Elam
    Pete
  • John Baragrey (small)
    John Baragrey
    Dan Hollis / Sam Hollis
  • Agnes Moorehead (small)
    Agnes Moorehead
    Mrs. Matilda Kingsley
  • Milton Frome (small)
    Milton Frome
    Hawkins, the Butler
  • Richard Aherne (small)
    Richard Aherne
    Chauffeur