Cinderfella (1960)

When his father dies and leaves all his money to his stepmother (Judith Anderson), a young man (Jerry Lewis) is allowed to remain in the household as a servant to his stepmother and her two spoiled sons (Henry Silva, Robert Hutton). Based on the Cinderella fairy tale and written and directed by Frank Tashlin (THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT). Although not really a musical, this gender reversal of the Cinderella story is hampered by several generic songs written by Harry Warren and Jack Brooks that stop the movie dead in its tracks. That does not apply to the charming dance at the ball choreographed by Nick Castle. Lewis has several inspired bits showcasing his talent as a physical comedian including combing his hair in front of a mirror and his walk down the long stairs when he enters the ball. It's a Lewis vehicle all the way but Judith Anderson as the wicked stepmother doesn't give ground and manages to hold her own against Lewis. I just wish the film's humor had been more consistent and I'm not sure if that's Lewis's fault or Tashlin's. With Anna Maria Alberghetti as Princess Charming, Ed Wynn as the Fairy Godfather and Count Basie and his band.