Got home from school late missed Dark Shadows but caught the ABC Channel 7 4:30 movie already in progress and I see what looks like Commissioner Gordon (Neil Hamilton) Attorney talking to a young lady Donna Peyton (Donna Butterworth) no relation to the Maple Syrup Company, anyway, Donna has a dilemma, she has to choose which of her eccentric Uncles to live with. All of these Uncles portrayed by Jerry Lewis. A collection of six of the strangest characters in the Jerry Lewis genre. Donna closest companion and temporary guardian is the chauffeur Willard Woodward also played by Jerry Lewis. From a ship's Captain to bumbling photographer and into the air with Captain Eddie and down to earth being abducted by Nubbley Uncle Buggs and pursued by his brother the clumsy detective Shylock Peyton. Along side in tow with Uncle Shylock is his rational sidekick Dr. Matson played by the bearded portly (Sebastian Cabot) notable TV character the gentlemen's gentlemen Mr. French on Family Affair. Willard and Donna had a special bond. Willard was Jerry plays it straight for the most part as he would drive Donna to each of the Uncles for a visit except for the evil Uncle Circus Clown Everett who loathes children. Some notable performances by Captain Eddie and his beat up airplane. Cameo appearance by Jerry's Son Gary and his Playboys in the closet. This movie is not to be taken seriously, but an attempt to see Jerry Lewis show his range of Characters. Uncle Julius for example was taken from his earlier movie THE NUTTY PROFESSOR except this time no more professorship minus wife Stella Purdy who is not present in this film but replaced by sexy models in a photography studio. The scene was awful and dull. A side splitting scene is when Uncle Detective Shylock warms up his pool stick at the pool hall as Lewis showcases his agility. Meanwhile, Uncle Buggs is teaching Math problems to his Niece Donna as she repeats the math answer verbatim in Bugg's voice lip sync. All Donna wants to do is live with Willard her personal driver. Jerry Lewis is an acquired taste. Either you love him or hate him. This movie did at times tickle my funny bone. This movie was sort of a farewell to his silly movies from there after. A few years later, Jerry once again did attempt the multiple roles in Three on a Couch with close friend Janet Leigh and Kathleen Freeman.
Review of The Family Jewels
