16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Showcase for the comic genius of Jerry Lewis, December 12, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Family Jewels [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is one of Jerry's last film appearances and undeniably is one of his best. A young heiress must decide which one of her six uncles (all played by Lewis) should get to be her legal guardian. Each one of the seven different roles played by Lewis (the six uncles, plus the chauffer Willard) are diverse and portrayed expertly. The movie is very funny and entertaining as any of Lewis' other films. If you're a devoted Lewis fan, then this video should be in your collection.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
7 times the Jerry = 7 times the laughs!, February 8, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Family Jewels [VHS] (VHS Tape)
18 years after the making of this gem, he would star with Robert DeNiro as the King of Comedy. Well, this is the King at his finest. Each character is exquisite, though I must admit that Uncle Bugsy is my favorite. The scene where he makes Donna (his adorable young niece) recite an arithmatic problem is classic old school comedy, and classic Lewis. While such classics as "The Nutty Professor", "The Disorderly Orderly" and "Cinderfella" made him a comedy icon, this charming and hilariously funny film is certain to find a place your heart. Superb family entertainment.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Wonderful Film Starring Jerry Lewis in 7 Different Roles, October 30, 2005
The 1965 comedy "The Family Jewels" was the brainchild of Jerry Lewis, who not only starred in the film as seven different characters, he also directed and co-wrote the film. The film's story is about an orphaned heiress named Donna Peyton (Donna Butterworth) who has been taken care of by the family's chauffeur Willard Woodward (Jerry Lewis). Because Donna is a child, she must decide whom she would like to be her permanent guardian among her six uncles that are each portrayed by Jerry Lewis. After visiting her deceased parent's attorney and executor (Neil Hamilton, 1899-1984, who played Commissioner Gordon in the 1960's TV series of "Batman"), Willard takes Donna to spend time with the first of her six uncles, who are an odd bunch: an old & incomprehensible sea captain, a bumbling photographer, a would-be Sherlock Holmes complete with a would-be sidekick named Dr. Matson (Sebastian Cabot, 1918-1977), an airline pilot with no sense of direction, a gangster wanted by the law and an unpleasant circus clown that hates children. Some of the funniest scenes involve the airline captain named Captain Eddie, who owns and operates his own airlines out of Chicago. A group of women played by Jesslyn Fax (1893-1975), Renie Riano (1899-1971), Ellen Corby (1911-1999, best known for her portrayal of Gradma Walton in "The Waltons" TV series of 1972-1981), Frances Weintraub Lax (1985-1975), Marjorie Bennett (1896-1982) want to travel to California. Having missed an earlier flight, they instead obtain tickets to have Captain Eddie fly them there in his antiquated propeller-driven plane. After finally getting off the ground, the women are treated to a hilarious in-flight film about a dinner-party; but Captain Eddie loses his map and inadvertently flies them in a circle back to Chicago. Also very funny is the gangster uncle named 'Bugs' who often wears a mask to hide his face. Once he removes the hideous mask, his face isn't much different. When he successfully kidnaps Donna, it's up to her 5 other uncles to rescue her; but in the end, she must still decide whom she would like to live with, and it turns out to be rather interesting.
Overall, I rate Jerry Lewis' 1965 film "The Family Jewels" with 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it. Of all of Jerry Lewis' films, "The Family Jewels" is definitely one of his best works.
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