The Family Jewels (1965)

The Family Jewels Poster

A young heiress must choose between six uncles, one of which is up to no good and out to harm the girl's beloved bodyguard who practically raised her.

Introduction to "The Family Jewels"
"The Family Jewels", launched in 1965, is a comedy film starring the famous comedian Jerry Lewis, who likewise directed and co-wrote the motion picture. In this family-friendly feature, Lewis showcases his comedic prowess by representing seven unique characters, each with their own eccentric personality. The movie provides a mix of slapstick, sight gags, and verbal humor, typical of Lewis's style, captivating the audience with its light-hearted tone and multiple-role gimmick.

Plot Overview
The plot of "The Family Jewels" focuses on nine-year-old heiress Donna Peyton (played by Donna Butterworth) who is turned over with the challenging task of picking a new guardian from amongst her six uncles after her daddy's death. Donna is accompanied by Willard Woodward (Jerry Lewis), a bumbling and childish chauffeur, who is also among her prospective guardians. The uncles, all played by Lewis, are a diverse and eccentric lot.

The Uncles
Each uncle represents a special stereotype and offers a canvas for Lewis's comical versatility:

1. James Peyton, the captain of a Boeing 707, is an admirable yet awkward pilot who enters into precarious aerial situations.

2. Everett Peyton, the professional photographer, is an absent-minded male who is more thinking about enjoying his hobbies than focusing on his niece's well-being.

3. Julius Peyton, the circus clown, brings a sense of unhappiness underneath his happy outside, making his sector more bittersweet.

4. Bugs Peyton, the notorious gangster, resides in a world of criminal activity and brashness, presenting a humorous contrast to the innocence of Donna.

5. Dr. Matson Peyton, the distinguished psychiatrist, ridiculously overanalyzes Donna's scenario, causing humorous exchanges.

6. "Eddie Peyton", the swimming pool shark, is an imposter attempting to deceive his way into the household fortune.

Donna's Choice
As Donna spends time with each of her uncles, she faces a selection of amusing and strange circumstances. With Willard's assistance, she evaluates her uncles' viability as guardians, leading to a number of amusing and often heartwarming encounters. Each visit highlights not just Jerry Lewis's capability to move between drastically various characters but also his capability to bring a touch of feeling to the comical storyline.

Comic Relief and Noteworthy Scenes
Throughout the film, Lewis's skills shine in different set pieces created to make the most of the hilarity of his multi-role efficiency. Notable sequences include the aircraft shenanigans with Captain James, the photographic chaos triggered by Everett, and the poignant yet funny performance of Julius in the circus. These vignettes are sprinkled with minutes including Willard's well-meaning ineptitude, which serves to connect the plot together.

Conclusion
Eventually, "The Family Jewels" unfolds as a light-hearted exploration of household, wealth, and the lengths to which people will choose love or cash. While it might not be as acclaimed as some of Jerry Lewis's other works, it remains an entertaining showcase of his comedic talent and his capability to play off his characters versus one another, thrilling his fans with his physical comedy and facial expressions.

In the end, after experiencing a rollercoaster of occasions with her uncles, Donna reaches a decision about who will be her new guardian. She picks none besides Willard, the adorable chauffeur who has shown himself to be kind, authentic, and most importantly, deeply looking after Donna's wellness. The story concludes with a concentrate on the values of trust and the bonds formed through sincere relationships, even amidst the most humorous of circumstances. "The Family Jewels" works as a caring and humorous household movie that captures the essence of Jerry Lewis's distinct style and impactful presence in the world of funny.

Top Cast

  • Jerry Lewis (small)
    Jerry Lewis
    Willard Woodward / James Peyton / Everett Peyton / Julius Peyton / Eddie Peyton / Skylock Peyton / Bugs Peyton
  • Donna Butterworth (small)
    Donna Butterworth
    Donna Peyton
  • Sebastian Cabot (small)
    Sebastian Cabot
    Dr. Matson
  • Neil Hamilton (small)
    Neil Hamilton
    Attorney
  • Jay Adler (small)
    Jay Adler
    Attorney
  • Anne Baxter (small)
    Anne Baxter
    Anne Baxter
  • Robert Strauss (small)
    Robert Strauss
    Pool Player
  • Jesslyn Fax (small)
    Jesslyn Fax
    Airline Passenger
  • Renie Riano (small)
    Renie Riano
    Airline Passenger
  • Herbie Faye (small)
    Herbie Faye
    Joe
  • Norman Leavitt (small)
    Norman Leavitt
    Gas Station Attendant