Runtime: 1 hr 47 min

Starring: Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens, and Del Moore

Director: Jerry Lewis

I thought I knew things. I thought I knew that Jerry Lewis was only capable of portraying goofy, bumbling characters. Never mind that I think I’ve only ever seen him in one other movie before watching this one. Never mind that I often heard jokes growing up centered around French individuals believing Mr. Lewis to be a comedic genius (somehow insinuating that he wasn’t). See, I thought I knew. Apparently, though, I know nothing at all, because how did he go from this:

To this:

So seamlessly, unexpectedly, and damn impressively convincing?

In case you’re wondering, my friends, this post didn’t come out of nowhere. No, The Nutty Professor (1963) is Jekyll & Hyde adjacent. You have the less-than-popular, often mocked professor experimenting with chemicals to make himself into a suave, confident, and somewhat asshole version of himself. For real, kind of an asshole, but also fascinating. That is really the only part of the Jekyll & Hyde formula (ha! get it?) that this movie follows. There is no Utterson. No murders. This was just zany and funny at times! Although, I will give props to Jerry Lewis playing Buddy Love (our “Hyde” persona) because he will make you feel all sorts of uncomfortable. The twisted part of me may have even been a little attracted to him.

We listen, and we don’t judge!

You know what? I liked it! There really isn’t anything deep about this movie, save for when you get to the end, when the professor learns it’s best to just be himself. Not so profound, no. A good lesson though!

And because this is a comedy and there is no threat of death to any of the characters, there is no will. If there were, though, I would want the professor to leave me a serenade by Buddy Love.

Jerry Lewis can sing, too!

Yeah, apparently I know nothin’.

8.2/10

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