Hollywood or Bust

| 1956

Directed by: Frank Tashlin

Main Plot

Hollywood or Bust follows the comedic misadventures of two friends, a bumbling aspiring actor and a determined young woman, as they embark on a cross-country road trip to Los Angeles in hopes of making it big in the film industry. The duo encounters a series of humorous obstacles and quirky characters along the way, including a group of eccentric hitchhikers and various mishaps that test their friendship and resolve. As they navigate through the challenges of their journey, they also confront their dreams and aspirations, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone filled with slapstick comedy and witty banter. The film captures the spirit of ambition and the unpredictability of chasing one's dreams in the glamorous yet chaotic world of Hollywood.

Characters

  • Dean Martin plays Steve Wiley, a charming con artist who partners with a movie-obsessed fan on a cross-country trip to Hollywood, encountering comedic adventures along the way.
  • Jerry Lewis played Malcolm Smith, a movie-obsessed fan who wins a car and embarks on a cross-country trip to Hollywood with Dean Martin's character.
  • Pat Crowley plays Terry Roberts, a love interest who becomes entangled in a comedic adventure with two aspiring actors on a cross-country journey to Hollywood.

Ending Explained

In Hollywood or Bust, the ending culminates in a series of comedic and chaotic events that resolve the main conflict surrounding the characters' aspirations for fame and fortune. After a wild road trip filled with misadventures, the protagonists finally arrive in Hollywood, where their dreams seem tantalizingly close. However, their journey is not without obstacles, as they encounter various mishaps and misunderstandings that threaten to derail their ambitions. The climax occurs during a pivotal scene at a film studio, where the characters inadvertently become involved in a movie production. Their antics and unexpected talent catch the attention of industry insiders, leading to a surprising twist where they are offered a chance to shine on the big screen. This resolution highlights the film's central theme of the unpredictability of the entertainment industry and the idea that success can come from the most unexpected circumstances. Ultimately, Hollywood or Bust concludes on a lighthearted note, emphasizing the importance of friendship and perseverance in the pursuit of dreams. The characters' journey reflects the whimsical nature of Hollywood itself, leaving the audience with a sense of joy and the belief that anything is possible in the pursuit of one's passions.

Frank Tashlin Comedy Musical Dean Martin Jerry Lewis Pat Crowley