The Ladies Man Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

After getting dumped, a guy who suddenly hates women somehow gets his dream job as the only male handyman in a mansion overflowing with dozens of beautiful ladies.

🍿 The Ladies Man: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Heartbreak and a Fresh Start

The film opens with Herbert H. Heebert graduating college, only to discover his girlfriend, Faith, has left him for another man. Devastated, Herbert vows to hate all women and seeks to leave his past behind. He decides to find work far away from his hometown and anything that reminds him of romance.

A Strange Job Opportunity

While searching for employment in Hollywood, Herbert comes across an advertisement seeking a handyman for a large house. Believing it to be a safe haven away from women, he applies and is hired by the house’s operator, Miss Helen N. Wellenmellon, and the housekeeper, Katie. He moves in without realizing the house’s true nature.

The Unforeseen Residence

Herbert soon discovers that the large house isn’t just a residence; it’s a boarding house exclusively for dozens of young, aspiring female performers. Suddenly surrounded by the very thing he swore to avoid, Herbert finds himself in constant comedic turmoil as he navigates his duties among the many women, each with their own personalities and issues.

Life Among the Ladies

As the sole man in the house, Herbert struggles with his new environment, causing accidental chaos and trying to perform his chores. He interacts with the various residents, including a young woman named Fay who is kinder to him than the others. His presence disrupts the house’s routine, leading to a series of slapstick gags and bizarre encounters.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Herbert H. Heebert (Jerry Lewis): A clueless and recently-jilted college graduate who takes a job as a servant in a mansion filled with young women.
• Miss Helen N. Wellenmellon (Helen Traubel): The genteel owner of the large women’s boarding house where Herbert gets a job.
• Katie (Kathleen Freeman): The motherly housekeeper who interviews and hires Herbert for the job at the boarding house.
• Fay (Pat Stanley): One of the young women boarding in the house who becomes a confidante to Herbert.
• George Raft (George Raft): A celebrity who makes a cameo appearance involved in a memorable dance sequence.
• Willard C. Gainsborough (Buddy Lester): A tough character who appears in a cameo and is flustered by Herbert’s nervous antics.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Herbert H. Heebert: “I hate girls now!” – His dramatic declaration after being heartbroken when his girlfriend leaves him for someone else at the beginning of the film.
• Herbert H. Heebert: “Hey, lady!” – A frequent exclamation used by Herbert when addressing the residents or encountering chaotic situations.
• Fay: “Nice people are needed everywhere.” – Said to Herbert to reassure him and help him understand his value, countering his feelings of being unwanted.
• A Young Woman: “Thanks for the mail, now baby let’s wail!” – An enthusiastic line delivered by one of the residents upon receiving her mail from Herbert, highlighting the lively atmosphere of the house.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,100,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,100,000
• Worldwide Gross: Unavailable

💥 The Ladies Man Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched The Ladies Man, and man, that set is WILD! It really is like a giant dollhouse, and watching Jerry Lewis bumble around in it is pretty funny. I gotta admit, his humor isn’t always for me, but there were definitely moments that made me laugh out loud. I loved the scene with Buddy Lester and the hat, that whole bit escalates in such a silly way. And the random dance numbers, especially the one with Sylvia Lewis, were unexpected and visually cool. It feels less like a movie with a plot and more like watching a bunch of skits tied together by this crazy house. It’s not perfect, some parts drag or feel a bit too loud, but the sheer inventiveness of the set and a few truly bizarre gags make it worth seeing, especially if you’re into classic Hollywood or Jerry Lewis’s unique style. It’s a weird, colorful ride.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jerry Lewis and his signature style of physical comedy”
  • “Viewers interested in classic Hollywood slapstick”
  • “Those curious about unique and elaborate film production design”
  • “People who enjoy episodic or skit-based comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated U (Universal Exhibition in the UK, generally equivalent to G or PG for comedic antics)”
  • “Contains slapstick comedy and mild chaotic situations”
  • “Features a premise involving a man living among many women, though the portrayal is generally innocent rather than suggestive (some reviews mention a potentially ‘sexist’ premise but the content is not explicit)”

Professional Reviews

• Fictional: “Jerry Lewis takes center stage in this visually striking, if somewhat disjointed, comedy vehicle. The main attraction is undoubtedly the massive, multi-story dollhouse set, which is a marvel of production design. While the plot is thin, serving mostly as a framework for Lewis’s signature physical gags and antics, the film delivers intermittent laughs. Certain scenes, particularly those involving supporting characters and surreal moments, land well, showcasing flashes of the creative ambition behind the production. However, the relentless focus on Lewis’s character can sometimes become grating.
• Fictional: “This Jerry Lewis solo effort leans heavily on its incredible set and Lewis’s persona, with mixed results. As director, Lewis makes the most of the ‘dollhouse’ layout, employing fluid camera work that was quite innovative. The film is best viewed as a series of escalating comedic sketches rather than a cohesive narrative. Performances from Helen Traubel and Kathleen Freeman provide grounding amidst the chaos, and cameo appearances add flavor. When the gags connect, they’re genuinely funny, but the inconsistency and Lewis’s often over-the-top style prevent it from reaching the heights of his best work.

Audience Reactions

Viewers are consistently amazed by the massive and detailed ‘dollhouse’ set.: Many fans appreciate the slapstick gags and Lewis’s physical comedy, finding certain scenes hilarious.

Cameo appearances, especially George Raft and Harry James, are often cited as fun surprises.: The film’s vibrant Technicolor and unique visual style, centered around the set, receive frequent positive comments.

Overall Consensus: A visually inventive Jerry Lewis comedy celebrated for its unique set design and moments of classic slapstick, though opinions are divided on the consistency of the humor and Lewis’s performance style.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Jerry Lewis attached a small video camera to the side of his 35mm film camera during production, pioneering the ‘video assist’ system that is now standard in filmmaking.”
• “The massive, multi-story ‘dollhouse’ set representing the boarding house was built entirely on a sound stage at Paramount Studios and was one of the most elaborate and expensive sets constructed for a film at the time.”
• “Initial scripting involved Mel Brooks as a co-writer, but he reportedly left the project early on.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Ladies Man?

Finding where to watch classic films like ‘The Ladies Man’ can sometimes be tricky as availability changes. Based on available information, this movie is often accessible for digital purchase or rental through platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Checking services like Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu) or searching for ‘The Ladies Man 1961’ on major digital storefronts is recommended. It’s also frequently shown on classic movie channels like TCM (Turner Classic Movies) or may be available through library services or physical media like DVD.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Ladies Man, you might like these similar films:

• The Nutty Professor (1963): Another iconic Jerry Lewis solo film where he plays a distinctive, quirky character, exploring themes of identity and social awkwardness through physical and situational comedy.
• The Bellboy (1960): Similar to ‘The Ladies Man’ in its episodic structure and heavy reliance on visual gags and physical comedy within a single large setting (a hotel), also directed by Lewis.
• Bachelor in Paradise (1961): Features a similar premise of a man unexpectedly finding himself in a community dominated by women, leading to comedic situations, though with a different style of humor.
• Dumb and Dumber (1994): Showcases a lead character whose extreme naivete, clumsiness, and physical antics resonate with the style of comedy often employed by Jerry Lewis’s ‘man-child’ characters.
• The Errand Boy (1961): Another Jerry Lewis vehicle from the same year, also self-directed, following his naive character as he navigates a new, chaotic environment (a film studio), appealing to fans of his unique comedic style.

🛒 The Ladies Man Related Products

• The Ladies Man Blu-ray: Experience this visually stunning comedy classic in high definition. Features the iconic dollhouse set in vibrant Technicolor.
• Jerry Lewis: The King of Comedy – Film Collection: A box set featuring some of Jerry Lewis’s most memorable solo films, including The Nutty Professor and others, showcasing his evolving directorial and comedic style.
• Classic Hollywood Production Design Book: Explore the incredible sets and artistry behind Hollywood’s golden age, featuring iconic designs potentially including the innovative set from The Ladies Man.
• Vintage Movie Poster Print – The Ladies Man: A high-quality print of the original theatrical poster, featuring classic 1960s design and promoting Jerry Lewis’s latest ‘biggest, funniest’ movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Ladies Man features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Don’t Go To Paris” – performed by Vicki Benet
• “Jazz Hallway Sequence” – performed by Harry James and His Orchestra
• “Musical Numbers (Various)” – performed by Helen Traubel, Gloria Jean, and various cast members

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jerry Lewis and Miss Cartilage

Ever wondered about the weirdest parts of a Jerry Lewis movie? This clip dives into ‘Miss Cartilage’ from *The Ladies Man*, and honestly, it’s even more bizarre and fascinating than you might expect! Definitely worth a watch if you appreciate his unique style.

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