There are few actors that create a pure schism in viewers than Jerry Lewis. Critics declare his comedies as a form of torture that even a hardcore neocon wouldn’t approve. Fans view him as a comic genius. Odds are high that the folks in the second category speak French. Jerry was an innovator in cinema with his work in video assist and portable Nagra sound recording decks. Where would independent film be without those two tools? The man deserves a little respect. In honor of the comedian’s tireless work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon, the fine folks at The DVD Lounge’s Department of Polling figured out the Top 10 Least Irritating Jerry Lewis Films.
10. Money From Home has Jerry as an out of control vet assistant. He’s forced to help rig a horse race with Dean Martin. Jerry sings to injured animals. Where’s the PETA protest over this alleged entertainment? Available at Amazon.com
9. My Friend Irma Goes West lets Dean and Jerry take their nightclub act out to Los Angeles via the train. There’s plenty of hilarity when the law declares that they want to keep Las Vegas clear of mobsters. Available at Amazon.com
8. Cinderfella reworks the fairy tale with Jerry as the abused Prince that needs the fairy dust. Ed Wynn is the Fairy Godfather. Jazz fans will enjoy Count Basie’s appearance. Available at Amazon.com
7. The Bellboy is a relief for those who can’t handle Jerry’s voice. He’s a quiet hotel employee. The physical humor goes into overdrive as he takes care of the insane guests at Miami’s Fontainebleau. Available at Amazon.com
6. The Stooge semi-fictionalizes the rise of Jerry and Dean. Jerry’s just a goofball who elevates Dean’s star on the vaudeville circuit with his antics. Available at Amazon.com
5. Artists and Models lets the insane dreams of Jerry become Dean’s chance to succeed in comic books. Trouble ensues when Jerry’s dreams resemble real government secret projects. The boys have spies on their singing trail. Available at Amazon.com
4. The Caddy puts Jerry on the PGA tour. He holds the bag as Dean swings away. We’re supposed to believe that Jerry is secretly a better duffer than Dean. Talk about Hollywood movie magic. This is a precursor to Caddyshack and Happy Gilmore. Available at Amazon.com
3. The Nutty Professor lets Jerry explore Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with a meek college professor who turns himself into the suave Buddy Love. The Technicolor chemicals will pop your eyes. Available at Amazon.com
2. Jumping Jacks drafts Jerry and Dean into the paratroopers. Along with their army work, the boys get to put on a show. This movie inspired my father to get his airborne wings at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Some good can come from a Jerry Lewis performance.Available at Amazon.com
1. The King of Comedy is the most important film of Martin Scorcese’s career. It predicted the sad future of TV celebrities. Jerry is a Johnny Carson-esque talkshow host. Robert DeNiro is a bad comic who dreams of stardom. He makes a fake talkshow in his mother’s basement with cardboard stars. When Jerry doesn’t give him a break, he kidnaps Jerry. His ransom is the opening monologue. He becomes an overnight sensation with his freaky stunt. This film saw a future of Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, New York, Spencer and Heidi. Jerry is in prime serious form. How did he not even get a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination? Available at Amazon.com
