The Sad Sack

I do believe the American critics simply prefer to dislike Jerry Lewis' comedy, rather than seeing it for what it really is. The French on the other hand laugh at what makes them laugh, without stopping to analyze weather or not they should. Maybe that is why Lewis is still so popular in France. If so, this film is a perfect example.

It is impossible to watch this film (dated though it is) and not laugh at the comic genius of Lewis. The man has the keen ability to leap between pathos and comedy without showing any signs of effort, or evident seams between the two. Like it or not American critics, that's comedic genius.

Try this film on for comedic size. You'll like it. And just sit back and laugh, don't analyze.

Aside from a god-awful opening tune sung by Lewis (ugh!), "The Sad Sack" is an entertaining little film. Fresh from his breakup with long-time partner, Dean Martin, the studio instead gave him David Wayne AND Joe Mantell to fill the void. And considering that there isn't any of the usual singing, things worked out just fine. However, don't expect huge laughs from this one--just a pleasant little army comedy.

Lewis naturally plays the Sad Sack--a soldier who can't seem to do anything right. However, a dopey female Major takes him under her wing and gets a couple soldiers (Wayne and Mantell) to buddy up with Lewis and help him through basic training. Eventually, the trio is sent to North Africa where they have a series of mildly interesting adventures.

Like I said above, this is not a hilarious film but a nice little comedy. What I especially liked is that Lewis was far more likable and restrained than usual--without the excess mugging that sometimes ruined his later films. What you're left with is some nice acting, a decent script from this little time-passer. The only negative I noticed is that there are quite a few sexist remarks about the major--a product of the times in which it was made.

Not as well-constructed as the prior Delicate Deliquent, the movie consisted of essentially two movies:

The first half was the silly buffoonish sometimes clueless but sometimes freakishly talented Lewis mucking things up as one might expect with really nothing to write home about.

Then the second half almost abruptly turns into a "spy thriller" dealing with exotic fully staged cafe performances, deadly weapons, concealed identities, and unknowing complicity with terrorists - all the while largely unfunny.

Legendary Peter Lorre, despite high billing, was largely wasted - you would have never known from this role that he was a major albeit aging film star.

Having watched all his solo era films, I consider this one of Lewis's weaker films.

The only memorable thing about this bland, tacky, cheap-looking comedy is Liliane Montevecchi. That this beautiful, spectacularly entertaining creature could have been intentionally included in this otherwise nastily drab picture is almost beyond belief. Peter Lorre is also brought in to jazz things up a bit, mostly to no avail, though thanks to his efforts one of his scenes with Jerry Lewis is very nearly funny.

This is one of the most under rated films of all time!This film was very funny and was very entertaining and had the movie viewers concerned about the plot and the characters! It really delivered what the people expected from the Army comedy and then some!There was fun after hilarious fun and I do not understand why a lot of movie critcs do not see how well made the movie was.The only complaint I have about it is that it was done in black and white.But that is grasping for a negative right there.I hope people see this movie for what it is in the near future.A great classic comedy and to be rated as high as other classic comedies. It's pure enjoyment I tell you!