Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis

Originally broadcast on Encore in 2011, Gregg Barson's documentary offers an all-smiles tribute to the career of zany funnyman Jerry Lewis, filming the 85-year-old Lewis performing in Las Vegas, where he mixes a watered-down version of his trademark shtick with extended nostalgic recollections of his peak years, and also following him to the Cannes Film Festival for a confirmation of the French love affair with the comic. Many classic Lewis clips from his 10-year partnership with Dean Martin and his own solo films are interwoven, along with consideration of his work as a director—including insights into his creation of video assist technology that became standard equipment in film production. A number of A-list Lewis fans—including Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Billy Crystal, Carol Burnett, and Eddie Murphy—also offer glowing praise. Ultimately, however, this is hagiography, accentuating the positive while completely eliminating the negative: viewers will find no explanation of the circumstances that resulted in the Martin and Lewis break-up in 1956 or the subsequent years of icy silence between the former partners, nor is there any look at Lewis's intriguing flops, including his expensive 1963 TV variety show (cancelled after 13 episodes) and his still unfinished Holocaust drama The Day the Clown Cried. Nonetheless, anyone who can still crack a laugh over the 50 millionth cry of “Hey, laaaady!” will definitely appreciate this celebration of Lewis and his distinctive brand of comedy. Recommended. Aud: P. (P. Hall)