It is absolutely amazing how little I know about Jerry Lewis. The poor guy has been hospitalized due to a mild heart attack, and as I was researching Mr. Lewis for this story, I realized I have only seen one of his films. I have nothing against the guy. I am pretty sure people found him to be entertaining enough to merit his position as one of America's greatest comedians. I have never been the type to walk all over people because of their current cultural position (I prefer to do it for pay), so I have always found it annoying that people give Mr. Lewis a hard time because he hasn't had a hit movie, or a hot comedy tour in ages. I remember all those silly jokes at the expense of him and the nation of France when the French decided he was the funniest guy alive or something. I just don't see what the big deal is. Obviously Lewis is important to a lot of people. I don't blame him for me not being able to sit through any of his hyperbolic comedy from 40 years ago.
But in putting this story together I did fondly remember one performance of Lewis'. It was Lewis' subtle and sinister performance in Scorsese's King of Comedy that has continued to have a profound effect on me. The movie, about a lowlife wannabe comedian played by Robert DeNiro, is a miracle of dark humor and shattered dreams. Lewis has a few classic scenes with a young Sandra Bernhard. In the film Lewis plays a Johnny Carson style comedian with a hot variety show. DeNiro's desperate comedian abducts Lewis with the help of Bernhard who is a nutty stalker, but also a wealthy Jewess in NYC. Both Bernhard and Lewis shine in several scenes where a deliciously bound Lewis is forced to suffer the indolences of his biggest fan. It's funny and disturbing.
Lewis canceled a performance in Las Vegas due to his (hopefully) temporary illness, and we at Flixens wish him all the best in his recovery. And as a personal aside, if you ever long for those chafing ropes again, you know where to reach me.
