The Errand Boy is a 1961 American comedy film directed by, co-written by and starring Jerry Lewis.

Plot

Paramutual Pictures decide that they need a spy to find out the inner workings of their studio. Morty S. Tashman, (the 'S' stands for 'scared'), is a paperhanger who happens to be working right outside their window. They decide that he is the man for the job and hire him on the spot. He bumbles his way through a series of misadventures, reporting everything back to the corporate executives. The Paramutual Studio President eventually has to fire Morty for incompetency. But secret film taken of his bumbling becomes public and everybody wants to know who the terrific new comedy star is. Paramutual is forced to beg Morty to come back and rescue the studio from bankruptcy; which he does.

Cast

Production

The Errand Boy was filmed from July 24 to September 1, 1961, and was released on November 28, 1961, by Paramount Pictures.

Release

In 1967, it was re-released on a double bill with another Jerry Lewis film, Cinderfella.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 50% rating based on 10 reviews, with an average rating of 5.47/10. The film earned theatrical rentals of $3 million in the United States and Canada.

Home media

The film was released on DVD on October 12, 2004, July 15, 2014, in a 4-film collection, 4 Film Favorites: Jerry Lewis, with The Bellboy, The Ladies Man, and The Patsy, and March 15, 2021.