The Stooge (1951)

In the vibrant world of vaudeville and Broadway, song-and-dance dynamo, Bill Miller, finds himself caught in the rhythm of a complicated symphony. After marrying the enchanting singer Mary Turner, he embarks on a solo act that lacks the sparkle needed to win over the audience. Guided by his wise agent and confidant, Leo Lyman, he recruits the seemingly oblivious assistant, Ted Rogers, as a stooge, a comedic prop to invigorate his performance. As Ted steps into the spotlight, he infuses the act with an irresistible charm that catapults it to Broadway stardom. However, Bill's ego refuses to share the limelight or credit with Ted, the unsung hero of the act, causing tension to simmer behind the curtains. Despite Ted's unwavering loyalty and admiration for his boss, he is haunted by the words of his first love, Genevieve Tait, urging him to assert his rightful place in the show. The escalating pressure from Mary and Leo for Bill to acknowledge Ted as an equal partner is met with resistance. In a fit of defiance, Bill decides to return to his solitary act, a choice that results in a resounding flop and a chorus of boos from the disappointed audience. It takes this humbling experience for Bill to realize the true value of Ted's talent and contribution. In a redemptive finale, Bill publicly apologizes, finally giving Ted the recognition he deserves. The story of 'The Stooge' is a captivating tale of ego, loyalty, and the power of partnership, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of Broadway. This dramatic comedy is sure to draw you into the enchanting world of show business, where every performance holds a story both on stage and behind the scenes.

The Stooge is a comedy movie featuring Polly Bergen.

The Stooge is currently streaming on CBS.

It is also possible to buy The Stooge on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.