You know what is cool about this clip other than the great dance number--check out the other cast members. All of them are on set and getting a kick out of the whole number. Nothing scripted just a lot of smiles from Jerry, Sally Mel, Millie etc....
Just a little known fact Francesca Bellini actually did about 3 movies with Jerry Lewis. She's a former dancer who actually got into doing Stage production and TV production and I believe is still working today. And yes, as a kid i too thought that this scene was a standout of the most out of the whole movie which made it sort of eerie.
The more insane you are the more WHITE FURNITURE and Carpet you have. This scene is brilliant. Then lady in black adds spooky and chic at the same time. This gorgeous young woman is some one JERRY can not handle or relate to. But he has fun.
When I was a child in the 1960's Jerry Lewis and Danny Kaye were my comedy heroes. Both warm big hearted hugely talented men with a passion for making people laugh. You won't find that high level of professionalism today. I don't remember this scene but God those legs go on for ever. Stunning. I like the way Jerry does his classic "MOOOM" when he realizes it wasn't a dream. Brilliant.
That being said... Take lessons young ladies. Men are visual creatures. They love to chase As well as be caught, but most of all they love the mystery of a woman...
As an adult I see the power, control, and sex appeal ooze from the sexy dominatrix. (esp. for the era) As a child I only grasp the grace, elegance, mystic of the lady in black.
I could watch her move all day, such elegance, such body control. She doesn't even have to dance like in the audition film to Ladies Man: just the way she sits down, gets up, walk around, talk, laughs....she can go from nice to highly dangerous. The routines with Bolger are okay, but miss Lewis alone....wow...don't compare her to Charisse, she's her own....
I have always loved this scene because it is equal parts bizarre, amusing and wild. With only a touch of bondage hinted at. The woman in black reminds me of Ms. Swat.
OMG!! I was so sad to hear yesterday that Mr. Jerry Lewis, aka Herbert H. Heebert in this movie, has passed away. My brother and I are his biggest fans!! We used to watch EVERY one of his movies during the late 60's and early 70's when we were 11 and 12 years old until now in our 50's! No one on TV ever made us laugh so hard and so long (LOL). This is one of my favorite scenes in this movie! All the greats are going - no more greats coming behind them. We grew up in the best of times. Thank you Mr. Lewis and my condolences to your family. R.I.P. Jerry Lewis, aka, Buddy Love, Herbert H. Heebert, Cinderfella, etc.
