It's Only Money

Jerry Lewis has undoubted talent as a slapstick comedian. Unfortunately he also has a massive ego and a rather unpleasant personality which make most of his movies (especially the ones without Dean Martin) almost impossible for me to watch. In this one director Frank Tashlin seems to have established firm control, doesn't let Lewis hog the camera but makes the most of his acrobatic comedy. This, supplemented by an expert supporting cast, Zachary Scott as the villain, Jesse White as the private eye and Mae Questel as the dotty aunt, along with some understated but well done Noir type photography make this mystery spoof watchable and funny.

When the French deliver accolades regarding the genius of Jerry Lewis, this is, no doubt, one of the flicks they refer to.

IT'$ ONLY MONEY provides the viewer with a perfect blend of Dir. Frank Tashlin's deft touch with a comedic script and the harnessing of star Jerry Lewis who, for this movie, walks a fine laugh-filled tightrope all the way with nary a mishap.

Jerry has referred to Tashlin as his "mentor" and probably for that reason, the comedian has restrained himself from his usual on screen excesses. The result is unbridled humor from the star with special emphasis on featured player Jesse White who is a perfect foil to Jerry's man-child character.

Eye candy is provided by the lovely Joan O'Brien who portrays Jerry's girl. Uh! Oh! Opposites do attract,especially in the movies.

IT'$ ONLY MONEY pays off with interest.

In this offering, Jerry was a stupid television repairman who is an heir to a fortune that an unscrupulous attorney wants for himself. Many attempts are made to insure that Jerry does not live to get the inheritance. Of course, they all fail. The action was so predictable that I considered the whole show to be very dull - just so much more slapstick Jerry.

Perhaps one the most ignored picture from Jerry Lewis, as a great admirer I've never watch this picture on commercial circuit on TV, here Lewis takes ahead one of most successful formula at Hollywood, the missing inheritor millionaire, Jerry plays Lester March a daffy owner of TV repairs, when is aired on TV about a missing nephew from a death unmarried millionaire, they offer a hundred thousand dollars reward over his whereabout, guess who is the real inheritor, yeah Lester, having in the casting the great Zachary Scott as the crook lawyer and the disastrous private detective Pete Flint (Jesse White) and his romantic pair the nurse Wanda (Joan O'Brien) also appears the clumsy killer Leopold (Jack Weston) in your best performance, without forget the eye candy Francine York as sexy girl at agency, hilarious Jerry's picture!!!

Resume:

First watch: 2020 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.25

Even if you don't crave for comedies, you can't miss this kind of stuff, never boring material which always keep its promises in terms of entertainment. It is fast paced with always an excellent climax, here with the lawnmowers. The story is only a pretext, as usual, you have not to ask many questions, just enjoy and laugh. Only pure top entertainment. I guess Jerry Lewis was the best of his time. I am sure that Frank Tashlin made the best of his films with Lewis, though I have not seen all his films either. I am not a comedy specialist, you see.