THE KING OF COMEDY (Theatrical Release USA 1983)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The King of Comedy presents a more serious side to comedian Jerry Lewis. Robert De Niro, a terrific fully developed actor, seems a bit miscast for his part while Director Martin Scorsese seems to be scrambling to make everything meet and work with this mix of comedy and serious drama that works more like oil and water than a good gin and vodka. In spite of this, Director Scorsese creates a likable film that serves to educate as well as entertain.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A standup comedian puts together an elaborate scheme to launch his career.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Scorsese for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert Greenhut for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro), Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), Rita Keane (Diahnne Abbott), Masha (Sandra Bernhard), Ed Herlihy (Ed Herlihy), Band Leader (Lou Brown), Stage Door Fan (Loretta Tupper), Stage Door Fan (Peter Potulski), Stage Door Fan (Vinnie Gonzales), and Stage Door Guard (Whitey Ryan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a movie most audiences would shelve until there is nothing else to watch and then pull it down as a secondary choice to other movies. Fans of Jerry Lewis need to be aware that this is not usual Jerry Lewis fare. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers