The Patsy (1964)

When a popular entertainer meets with an untimely death, his shocked show business associates scramble desperately to find a quick replacement. That replacement is a meek hotel bellboy (Jerry Lewis) who suddenly finds himself plucked from obscurity and groomed for stardom. Co-written and directed by Jerry Lewis, this is one of his best movies. With the exception of THE NUTTY PROFESSOR (1963), the quality of his comedy is often inconsistent. That's true here too but there are sequences that are true gems (the Chaplin influence is strong) and one can see why the French consider him a comedy genius. The barbershop scene is hilarious, the visit to a vocal teacher (Hans Conreid) is almost a master class in physical comedy and some sight gags are hysterical (Lewis as a trio of girl backup singers). What's good is so good that it overrides the bits that don't work. Lewis has gathered a great supporting cast including Peter Lorre, Keenan Wynn, Ina Balin, Everett Sloane, John Carradine, Phil Harris and a roster of guest stars like Rhonda Fleming, Ed Wynn, George Raft, Mel Torme and Hedda Hopper that add to the fun.