I'll give Lewis credit: even though this one isn't on par with the uproarious stuff he and Dean Martin did or even with "The Disorderly Orderly" or "The Nutty Professor", "The Family Jewels" shows Lewis doing what he does best.
Running amok.
Playing no less than seven characters here, Lewis changes costumes, accents and venues but stays just as addled in all of them. This time, he plays a chauffeur who takes care of a little girl (Butterworth, a novice here and since) and shuttles her between six brothers (all Lewis again) who vie to be guardian of her and the millions of dollars she will inherit.
Of course, it's interesting to see that he brings back (in shape only) his character from "The Nutty Professor". Good to see him.
And only Lewis could make a slapstick free-for-all in which Anne Baxter makes a cameo.
It's good, nutty fun for all and definitely a better choice than his later work. "The Family Jewels" - definitely a "Jewel" in the rough.
Eight stars.
Running amok.
Playing no less than seven characters here, Lewis changes costumes, accents and venues but stays just as addled in all of them. This time, he plays a chauffeur who takes care of a little girl (Butterworth, a novice here and since) and shuttles her between six brothers (all Lewis again) who vie to be guardian of her and the millions of dollars she will inherit.
Of course, it's interesting to see that he brings back (in shape only) his character from "The Nutty Professor". Good to see him.
And only Lewis could make a slapstick free-for-all in which Anne Baxter makes a cameo.
It's good, nutty fun for all and definitely a better choice than his later work. "The Family Jewels" - definitely a "Jewel" in the rough.
Eight stars.