Due to a scam that fell through, gambler Steve Wiley finds himself on a road trip to California with film fanatic Malcolm Smith and his Great Dane, Mr. Bascom. Steve is on the run from his debt to Bookie Benny, and Malcolm is trying to meet actress Anita Ekberg. Soon, they are joined by singer Terry Roberts, who’s on her way to Las Vegas. As Steve falls for Terry, he tries to figure out how to pay back his debtors.

“Hollywood or Bust” star:
Dean Martin as Steve Wiley
Jerry Lewis as Malcolm Smith
Maxie Rosenbloom as Bookie Benny
Anita Ekberg as herself
Pat Crowley as Terry Roberts