The Delicate Delinquent (1957)
Jerry Lewis goes solo for the first time in this charming comedy about a bumbling janitor who stumbles his way into a police badge.
The Delicate Delinquent - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Delicate Delinquent
- Release Year: 1957
- Directed by: Don McGuire
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 6, 1957 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: Dümmer als die Polizei erlaubt (DE)
- Production Companies: York Pictures Corporation
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Delicate Delinquent - Plot
Sidney Pythias is a bumbling janitor picked up by cop Mike Damon as a teenage gang member worth saving from delinquency. With Damon's help, Sidney works his way through the Police Academy to become a cop too.
The Delicate Delinquent - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Jerry Lewis's comedic genius on full display:
JERRY LEWIS makes that blackboard jungle jump for joy. He's funnier than ever...
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The Delicate Delinquent - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Don McGuire
Main Cast
- Jerry Lewis
- Darren McGavin
- Martha Hyer
- Robert Ivers
- Horace McMahon
- Richard Bakalyan
- Joe Corey
- Mary Webster
- Milton Frome
- Jefferson Dudley Searles
Writers
- Don McGuire
Producers
- Jerry Lewis
The Delicate Delinquent - FAQs
What is The Delicate Delinquent about?
The Delicate Delinquent follows Sidney Pythias, a clumsy janitor mistaken for a gang member by a well-meaning cop named Mike Damon. Rather than write him off, Damon sees potential and helps Sidney work his way through the Police Academy, turning an unlikely troublemaker into an even unlikelier officer of the law.
Was this Jerry Lewis's first solo film?
Yes! The Delicate Delinquent was Jerry Lewis's first starring vehicle without his longtime partner Dean Martin. Originally written with Martin in mind, the film proved Lewis could carry a movie on his own — and it was a box-office hit, cementing his solo career right out of the gate.
Where can you stream The Delicate Delinquent?
You can stream The Delicate Delinquent on Amazon Prime Video or Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — plenty of options to catch this classic Jerry Lewis comedy.
Why was Dean Martin replaced in this film?
The Delicate Delinquent was in development as a Martin and Lewis project, but by the time production began, the duo had famously split in 1956. Rather than recast or shelve the film, Jerry Lewis took it on solo, with Darren McGavin stepping into the straight-man role originally intended for Dean Martin.
Who are the main actors in The Delicate Delinquent?
Jerry Lewis leads the cast as the lovably hapless Sidney Pythias, with Darren McGavin playing the steadfast cop Mike Damon who believes in him. Martha Hyer, Robert Ivers, and Horace McMahon round out the key supporting roles, and sharp-eyed viewers will spot a young Frank Gorshin in a small part.
Is there a theremin in The Delicate Delinquent?
There is! One of the film's most memorable and quirky moments features Jerry Lewis's character playing a theremin — the eerie, hands-free electronic instrument. It's a classic Lewis gag, blending physical comedy with the instrument's otherworldly sound, and it became one of the more talked-about scenes among fans of the film.
How was The Delicate Delinquent received by critics?
The film was warmly received on release, particularly given the enormous pressure on Lewis to succeed without Dean Martin. Critics acknowledged it as a solid, crowd-pleasing comedy that leaned into Lewis's elastic physical style. It performed well commercially and helped establish him as a bankable solo star in Hollywood.
Who directed and wrote The Delicate Delinquent?
Don McGuire both wrote and directed The Delicate Delinquent, with Jerry Lewis himself serving as producer. McGuire crafted the script specifically around Lewis's comedic strengths, and the collaboration resulted in a tight, funny film that gave the newly solo star exactly the right vehicle to launch his independent career.
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