Hollywood or Bust
The last movie with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin together, is a satire of the life in Hollywood. Steve Wiley is a deceiver who cheats Malcolm Smith when he wins a car, claiming that he won it too. Trying to steal the car, Steve tells Malcolm that he lives in Hollywood, next to Anita Ekberg's. When Malcom hears that, they both set out for Hollywood and the adventure begins...
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Hollywood or Bust (1956) showcases strategically placed dramatic framework, characteristic of Frank Tashlin's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 35 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Malcolm Smith is a lonely, obsessive movie fan who idolizes actress Anita Ekberg, living vicariously through his celebrity worship and Great Dane, Mr. Bascom.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Malcolm and Steve both win the same car in the raffle, forcing them into an unwanted partnership and shared journey to Hollywood.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 23 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Steve decides to stay with Malcolm and continue the road trip to Hollywood, committing to the journey despite his frustrations., moving from reaction to action.
At 46 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Steve and Malcolm arrive in Hollywood and actually meet Anita Ekberg. Malcolm's dream seems to be coming true, raising the stakes as reality meets fantasy., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 69 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Steve's schemes fall apart completely. The friendship between Steve and Malcolm hits bottom as betrayals and misunderstandings come to a head. Malcolm's Hollywood dream is shattered., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 75 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Steve and Malcolm reconcile, understanding each other's value. They decide to work together honestly to resolve their problems and help each other find what they truly need., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Hollywood or Bust's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Hollywood or Bust against these established plot points, we can identify how Frank Tashlin utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Hollywood or Bust within the comedy genre.
Frank Tashlin's Structural Approach
Among the 8 Frank Tashlin films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Hollywood or Bust takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Frank Tashlin filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Frank Tashlin analyses, see Cinderfella, The Disorderly Orderly and The Geisha Boy.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Malcolm Smith is a lonely, obsessive movie fan who idolizes actress Anita Ekberg, living vicariously through his celebrity worship and Great Dane, Mr. Bascom.
Theme
Steve Wiley suggests that real life and real relationships matter more than fantasies and Hollywood dreams during their first encounter.
Worldbuilding
Introduction of Steve Wiley, a gambling ladies' man, and Malcolm Smith, a naive movie fanatic. Both enter a raffle for a car. Steve's scheme to buy all tickets backfires when Malcolm also wins.
Disruption
Malcolm and Steve both win the same car in the raffle, forcing them into an unwanted partnership and shared journey to Hollywood.
Resistance
Steve tries to manipulate Malcolm and dump him along the way, but Malcolm's naivety and determination keep them together. Steve debates whether to continue with this odd partnership or abandon Malcolm.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Steve decides to stay with Malcolm and continue the road trip to Hollywood, committing to the journey despite his frustrations.
Mirror World
Introduction of Terry Roberts, a woman they encounter on the road who represents genuine romance and connection, contrasting Malcolm's fantasy obsession with Anita Ekberg.
Premise
Road trip hijinks and comic misadventures. The odd couple navigates various situations, Steve pursues women while Malcolm stays devoted to his Anita Ekberg fantasy. Their opposing personalities create constant conflict and comedy.
Midpoint
Steve and Malcolm arrive in Hollywood and actually meet Anita Ekberg. Malcolm's dream seems to be coming true, raising the stakes as reality meets fantasy.
Opposition
Complications arise as Malcolm's fantasy encounters reality. Steve's gambling debts catch up with him. The partnership between Steve and Malcolm is tested. Creditors pursue them, and romantic entanglements complicate matters.
Collapse
Steve's schemes fall apart completely. The friendship between Steve and Malcolm hits bottom as betrayals and misunderstandings come to a head. Malcolm's Hollywood dream is shattered.
Crisis
Steve and Malcolm separately reflect on what truly matters. Malcolm realizes his fantasy life has prevented real connections. Steve recognizes that his cynical manipulation has cost him a genuine friendship.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Steve and Malcolm reconcile, understanding each other's value. They decide to work together honestly to resolve their problems and help each other find what they truly need.
Synthesis
The duo works together to resolve Steve's debt problems and help each other pursue genuine relationships. Malcolm lets go of his fantasy obsession. Steve commits to authentic connection over manipulation.
Transformation
Malcolm is no longer alone with just his dog and fantasies; he's formed a real friendship and is open to genuine romance. Steve has learned that authentic relationships matter more than schemes and conquests.