Customer Reviews

Family Jewels [VHS]

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I love this movie despite the reviews.I think Jerry did a fantastic job playing seven roles.People who criticize this movie should try to accomplish what Jerry did!They would never succeed!He was and still is a genius!The Eddie's airways part of the movie is one of the funniest things he's ever done and man,has he done a lot in his lifetime!Really really worth watching!

After the Nutty Professor, Jerry Lewis topped himself by playing eight characters in the film The Family Jewels

Donna Butterworth play the orphaned little rich girl, who needs to pick a father from her father's seven brothers (all played by Lewis). Lewis also plays her driver and companion Willard. All this comedy may seem uneven in this farce. Lewis overworks himself trying to balance director, writer and star and it shows on film. However, as uneven as this film is, Lewis still plays this slapstick comedy to the hilt and it works.

The best extra on this DVD is the full audio comentary of Lewis with his friend Steve Lawrence (of Steve & Edie fame). There are interesting tidbits of information on filmmaking and the film itself. They say that hindsight and age is revealing, this DVD proves this true. Also if you want get this and Lewis's Nutty Professor, The Bellboy or Cinderfella (all his best works)

This is a family comedy that the whole family can watch, so get it!

Bennet Pomerantz, AUDIOWORLD

Jerry is an "acquired taste," which I fortunately acquired at a young age! Clean humor is so hard to find anymore, and Jerry's versatility continues to astonish me. This movie showcases that perfectly.

If you like Lewis at all...even if you dislike his films...this is one that you may be able to enjoy. Great "widescreen" edition and clean copy of the film. The worst part about it is the dissapointing commentary track. Here you have Lewis and singer Steve Lawrence (!?) providing the commentary...and I must admit, I could not get through it. Jerry seems to enjoy watching the film and Ed McMahon-like Lawrence seems to nothing but kiss Jerry's rear end the whole time. All he does is laugh and say.."Jer...that's just great...funny stuff." While Lewis chuckles and gives such insight to those comments as "yeah."
Worth having at this price for the film, but do not expect too much from an "extra" that really could have made this a gem.

Some critics have reviewed this film as long and boring, but I think that this film displays the comedy genius of Jerry Lewis. A truly amazing work of Lewis. When the rich father of a little girl dies, she must choose between her six uncles(all played by Lewis himself!). This is a great film for those who appreciate true comedy works.

This is one of Jerry's classics...I purchased several of his movies for the kids and this one is their favorite! Clean comedy is nil these days...and for lots of laughs this one is it. His Captain Eddie leaves you laughing outloud...as he slides out of the plane...lots of visual gags (Gary Lewis and the Playboys in the plane closet) that current movies lack...creativity...sure it is a light comedy and you will enjoy it with the family! No current comedian could pull off 6 characters (that they created themselves)as this!!

my family and i simply loved this movie. it was hilarious and all the parts Jerry played were simply wonderful to say the least! I felt it was developed enough in a short amount of time so you could visit with each of the uncle's. the one uncle that was a no show was for a good reason! it was meaningful why this uncle could not be shown longer; this fit. all the others were just great. we laughed a lot.