Martin and Lewis

Synopsis

Martin and Lewis is a 2002 television film starring Sean Hayes as Jerry Lewis, portraying the iconic comedic partnership between Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis during the 1940s and 1950s. The film chronicles the rise of the duo from their humble beginnings to their stardom as one of America’s most beloved comedy teams. It explores the complexities of their professional and personal relationship, highlighting both the chemistry that made their performances legendary and the tensions that ultimately led to their split. With a mix of humor and drama, the film provides an insightful look into the entertainment industry of the era and the price of fame.

Cast

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  Sean Hayes

  Jerry Lewis

• 

  Jeremy Northam

  Dean Martin

• Paula Cale

  Betty Martin

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  Sarah Manninen

  Patti Lewis

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  Kate Levering

  Jeanne Martin

• 

  Scott McCord

  Abby Greshler

Reviews

Critically, Martin and Lewis received a mix of responses, with many reviewers praising Sean Hayes’s energetic and nuanced portrayal of Jerry Lewis. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.4/10, indicating some divisiveness among audiences. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated critic score for this made-for-TV movie, limiting the availability of broad critical consensus. Some critics appreciated the film’s attempt to capture the dynamic between the two stars, noting, for instance, that Hayes "brings a genuine warmth and complexity to the role," while the pacing and script received some criticism for lacking depth in certain areas. Metacritic also lacks a specific score, but user reviews highlight that although the film might not fully explore all aspects of the duo's personalities, it serves as an enjoyable tribute to a legendary partnership. On the negative side, some reviewers felt the film didn’t delve deeply enough into the darker elements of their relationship and that supporting performances were uneven. Ultimately, Martin and Lewis is regarded as a solid, entertaining biopic for fans familiar with the comedy legends, even if it falls short of a comprehensive exploration of their story.