Thanks for Reading,

Dean Martin was 28 and Jerry Lewis Was 19 when they met at the Glass Hat Club. Belmont Hotel. NYCity. 1944.

By happenstance.

They were booked at the same Club. Martin sang. Jerry did a Lipsinc Act To Records Act.

Jerry was motivated. His Wife had just had a Baby.

So.

Without getting Paid. At 1 am When there were only 8 patrons in the Audience. Jerry would TEASE Dean during his Act.

Jerry is Quoted as saying, "The First time. I went to the kitchen. Got a Giant Fork. And put a Steak on it. Stood up on Stage and Shouted "MEAT. I want More STEAK."

Dean didn't pause. Just smiled And chatted with Jerry. Like he wasn't Interrupting his song.

Dean would then show up at Jerry's Performance. And mess with his Record Player.

But what worked best While they were "Clowning around." Back and Forth was Jerry Teasing Dean.

Again. Quote from Jerry.

"At Midnight. A Dozen people in the audience. Next I borrowed a Waiters Uniform Jacket. Pretended to seat some people. Tossed Chairs on Stage. And took a prat fall next to Dean."

This "Go the Extra Mile" Practice went on for TWO YEARS. Off and on. Various Clubs.

Until a Club Manager told Jerry.

"You stink. Unless you come up with a better Act. You are fired."

Jerry went for a walk. Wrote the outline for a Skit on a brown paper bag. Walked Dean Thru it.

Showed up in the club Managers office. With a New Comedy Act for Two.

Instant Hit.

Dean Crooning a song. Jerry running around in a Waiters outfit. Breaking dishes.

75 Minutes of Mayhem.

Jerry Lewis - "Dean Martin is the Greatest Straight man in the History of show Business."

Nobody else was doing comedy/Singing Acts with NO Pre-Written Jokes and No Script.

Lines around the block.

For ten Years Martin and Lewis were the Highest Paid Duo in Show Biz.

All based on 2 years of Go-The Extra Mile By Jerry Lewis - "Clowning Around" at 1 am.

Thanks,
Glenn