An attempt to vary the Jerry Lewis formula, by teaming him with another big star for the first time since Hollywood or Bust (Tony Curtis), and basing it on a hit source material (a play) for the first time since Visit to a Small Planet. Producer Hal Wallis also threw in a top writer (Edward Anhalt) and support cast (Thelma Ritter) although the director (Jack Rich) was a newby, mostly with TV credits.
It wasn’t a hit, for two reasons, I think: firstly Americans have never been as partial to farces as the British or French (Boeing Boeing has been a hit on stage pretty much everywhere but flopped on Broadway in the 60s). Secondly Lewis was probably playing too different a role from his persona. His character is a confident, womanising newspaper reporter, who double crosses Curtis in an attempt to take over his lifestyle. This is probably close to real life Lewis, a notorious womaniser and very smart, but miles from the bumbling idiots he usually played. It’s a Dean Martin part – or, failing him, Jack Lemmon or someone like that. Having said that, Lewis’ performance is spot on – totally appropriate, full of energy and confidence. He’s only miscast in star terms.
Out of the three girls, Christiane Schmidtmer comes across best as Gretchen – she’s the sexiest and funniest. Suzanna Leigh (Briton) is pretty but dim; Dany Saval (Air France) isn’t that pretty and is a real bitch. Actually all three girls treat the housekeeper, Thelma Ritter, really badly, always demanding she get them milk and stuff like that.
But the piece is done with a lot of energy. Curtis and Lewis really throw themselves into it, and it builds like all good farces do. I’m surprised Rich didn’t have more of a feature career, I felt he did a good job. Colourful sets and costumes, too.
No comments:
Post a Comment