BW - EP139—004: Martin And Lewis With Monroe And Sinatra—The My Friend Irma Movie

Breaking Walls: The Podcast on the History of American Network Radio Broadcasting

Although their radio show got canceled, Martin and Lewis were concurrently guest-appearing in a My Friend Irma film. Irma was one of CBS’ top shows starring Marie Wilson. The movie debuted on August 16th, 1949. Critics panned everything about the film, except Martin and Lewis, and the duo continued to be a smash at live shows. NBC brought the program back on Friday October 7th 1949. The network had to allow the duo to plug their CBS-inspired film on air. Thirteen additional weeks with no sponsorship ensued. NBC claimed fourteen sponsors wanted the duo as a TV show, but Dean and Jerry wanted to make it on radio first. Radio and TV Life called them blind. They were a hit with all the live crowds, but something was missing over the air. NBC seemingly canceled them for good on January 30th, 1950.