The Geisha Boy

"The Geisha Boy" is one of Jerry Lewis' better films. This is because the film is rather sweet without being maudlin or saccharine. It also places more emphasis on the story as opposed to laughs...though it has a decent number of laughs as well--with the sort of hit or miss laughs you expect from such a movie.

When the film begins, Gilbert Wooley (Lewis) is flying along with his rabbit, Harry, on an Air Force plane bound for a USO tour of Japan. However, along the way, Gilbert (not unexpectedly) makes a total nuisance of himself. It ultimately results in him ripping the dress off an obnoxious but famous actress--and he is to be punished by being sent on a tour of the front lines in Korea. But during his bumbling, he impresses a little Japanese boy who apparently has been depressed. The boy instantly bonds with Gilbert and now there is a problem...how can Gilbert leave Japan following his Korean tour? After all, the kid sees him as his new step-father!

The film has a lot of goofy laughs but at heart is appears to actually be a re-working of the famous Chaplin film, "The Kid", and goes for those same sorts of heartwarming scenes between Jerry and the boy...and these work very well. I also think the film works well because it was neither written nor directed by Lewis and so the pacing was a bit better than some of his later films. Overall, a delightful film.

Hollywood bombshell diva Lola Livingston (Marie McDonald) is going to Japan on a USO tour. Struggling second rate magician Gilbert Wooley (Jerry Lewis) is one of the lesser acts joining her. They do not get along right from the start. Sgt. Pearson (Suzanne Pleshette) is a WAC overseeing the tour.

This is mostly slapstick and mugging from Jerry Lewis who has a rabbit and a kid. So, he's breaking the cardinal rule. He is still the most chaotic of them all. This also has a young Suzanne Pleshette in her first movie role. Mostly, she gets to look pretty and side-eye at Jerry Lewis' craziness. It's not much more than a good excuse for Jerry's brand of tomfoolery. It's light silly fun with a lot of sentimentality.

Not my favorite from the Jerry Lewis - FrankTashlin duo, not the most terrific, not the most funny. The fist part is OK, but the second part is different, just different, bringing elements that were not present in the other films. Some moving scenes with the kid, the Japanese atmosphere, good production design. Don't look for too many slapstick tricks, there are some but not too many. However, that's a good Jerry Lewis' vehicle. But just different, and after all, why not? I will continue to explore the other features starring this actor. The BRIDGE OVER KWAI RIVER is amusing as a tribute to the David lean's masterpiece.

I think this is one Jerry Lewis's best films. Not only is it incredibly funny, but it evokes compassion (Mr.Wooley's relationship with the young boy is touching, and will make you cry) from the audience without being too sentimental. The Japanese setting is beautiful and exotic, and Miss Kimi is lovely and charming. No wonder Mr.Wooley prefers her to the cold American Sergeant Pearson (Suzanne Pleshette)! When Mr.Wooley accidentally knocks a big Hollywood actress down an airplane staircase--that has to be one of the funniest scenes in any Lewis film. This is a great family movie, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants good comedy with a touch of tenderness in it. It ranks right up there with "The Nutty Professor"(1963).

Only in America would we not see the absolute genius of one of our best talents EVER!! This movie shows some of his brilliance and without vulgarity or sexual innuendos....his nutty professor is a SOLID 10 yet its rated in the 6s. We give garbage like adam sandler, or borat higher scores. The magic of his comedy is world renown especially in France. You want proof watch Jerry's version of the nutty professor then watch Eddie Murphys version its night and day. He only made g rated comedies just using his physical and expressive talents, TRUE comedians know his genius. Billy crystal would be a usher without the influence of Jerry he is SORELY missed and him and Stan laurel will NEVER be matched!!!