Jerry Lewis brings big laughs to DVD

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January 8, 2010

Anonymous The Port Arthur News Fri Jan 08, 2010, 10:56 AM CST

By Chris Castillo

Special to the News.

The zany Jerry Lewis is back to his old tricks on DVD in the Jerry Lewis Collection, a series of sketches from his 1960s television show.

One of my favorite gags is on this two disk DVD shows the noted comic peck at a typewriter as a recording of someone typing a manual typewriter plays. The sketch is downright hilarious. Another involves a kleptomaniac who is married to a female police officer. Of course, there is no logic behind what he steals and hides in his upstairs apartment. Even an elephant appears during his antics. All the while, a manhunt is underway right under his nose. Lewis plays it perfect.

This shows Lewis at what he was always best at: comic situations, and short comic sketches. He’s the sad, hungry boy next door; the new tenant; a professor (much like his nutty professor) and takes on personas with comic results. Special guests such as Janet Leigh join him to bring the comedy to life.

The DVD includes more than a dozen shows from 1967 to 1968, and another from the 1968-’69 season. The show truly captures the many faces of Lewis and his slapstick comedy that made him famous. It is a joy to watch and is something the entire family can view.

Was the Amityville Horror fact or fiction?

Does the Amityville Horror have any basis in fact? And, who was the basis for the characters Indiana Jones and James Bond?

For these answers and many more, check out The Real Story Part 1 and 2, from the Smithsonian Network. The two segments give us the scoop about the Amityville Horror, the Escape from Alcatraz, the Untouchables and if the characters Indiana Jones and James Bond were based on real people.

In Part I, the Amityville Horror tale was my favorite. It was frightening when it came out at the theater, but the true story may be even scarier. The DVD puts all the cards on the table for the viewer to decide if this was an elaborate hoax or the real thing.

Part 2 offers the story of men who lived like the fictional character Indiana Jones. It also includes stories about Ian Fleming and how he developed his character James Bond. Fleming, who wrote 14 Bond novels, worked for British Naval Intelligence before he was inspired to write his Bond books. The DVD also investigates if any British spies in Fleming’s time might have fit the bill of James Bond.

Both DVDs, which are unrated, were entertaining and educational. Although, younger kids might be very frightened by the Amityville Horror story, the shows are otherwise a treat for all ages.

Chris Castillo writes Reel News for the Port Arthur News, a column focusing on DVD releases, indie films and entertainment.

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Jerry Lewis brings big laughs to DVD

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