What strikes me as this interview continues is simply the fact that in 1973 a show could devote this much time to one guest. It is a shame this does not exist today on network television.
Gary Taylor I agree 100%. However, it also exposes there are no hosts or Interviewers worth a Shiff. There are no late night hosts as intelligent or knowledgeable as Dick Cavett either.
badmiddens Joe Rogan is a sell out shill. He abandons patriot friends in order to become rich and try to be relevant. He will wake up one day when it’s too late.
Jerry Lewis, a comedic genius,.I never realized he was so tall, attractive and intelligent! I used to watch his movies when I was 5 years old and he used to make me laugh so much!
Love Jerry Lewis or hate Jerry Lewis, he is now part of showbiz history. He left his mark. Jerry Lewis will not be forgotten. He was enormously successful and a precious human being. He was always my favorite and he always will be. I heard Jerry say that his entire career could be viewed on RU-vid. I believe it and I am loving it!! Amazing man who lived an amazing life. I miss him. RIP 💗
By this time, 1973, Jerry Lewis had been in the business since he was 16 years old...1942. that's 31 years..... holy moly. He was so handsome and amazing!
I have never seen Mr Cavett before, and when he first came on in this interview I thought I wouldn't watch it, but gradually I began recognizing his lovely relaxed style, and finished up being very impressed by his interviewing skills.
I think one of Dick Cavett's secrets to success is his positive looking, confident flippancy. He takes every remark in the best way possible. Even when encountering criticism or malice, without an ounce of ego, he agrees it might be true and it rolls off his back. He moves through things without effort or resistance. He depends on civility in a worst case scenario. He's immensely likeable in that regard.
I have to agree with your assessment. I find myself wanting to hear more from Dick because he does have an uplifting effect on the viewer … perhaps we are missing that in 2023
I really appreciate these interview shows from the 1970’s. They take my mind back to a time that was in focus and made good common sense. Where people displayed good morals & were polite to one another..
When I was a kid my parents would drop my sisters and me at the movies, and everytime we went to see Jerry, the seats were full and we had to watch from the back of the theatre (and this was a huge theatre) standing up the whole time. He was so popular and even more so in France where he was considered a genius. I loved him so much.
My street use to put on a Muscular Dystrophy Carnival every year when I was a child. He helped raise a tremendous amount of money. One of my friends was very grateful for the assistance.
@@ronaldmason7053 Men are men and always will be, it's up to the woman to conduct herself with class and self respect. People need to stop blaming the man all the time, plenty of women throw themselves at successful men.
OMG how good was Jerry,absolutely running over Dick, doing his own schtick, totally dominating the power and delivering excellent comedy and commentary. Someone who’s done the hard yards and remembers how he got where he is and such a great worker for helping others.
My father was the trumpeter in Jerry’s father’s band at Grossingers Resort in Liberty, NY , 1935-1941. I feel like part of Jerry’s family and follow his career.
@@markharrison6498 He didn't abandon anyone!!! HIS CHILDREN WERE ALL ADULTS!!! HE PAID THE RATES FOR HIS EX-WIFE Patti FOR YEARS!!! The daughter who is homeless is She one who wants to be!!! Let's talk about Dean Martin who really ABANDONED HIS FIRST WIFE AND HIS FOUR CHILDREN WHILE THEY STILL BABY TO MARRY THAT WOMAN WHO DESTROYED WEDDINGS!!!!
@@bigjohnknew He didn't abandon anyone!!! HIS CHILDREN WERE ALL ADULTS!!! HE PAID THE RATES FOR HIS EX-WIFE Patti FOR YEARS!!! The daughter who is homeless is She one who wants to be!!! Let's talk about Dean Martin who really ABANDONED HIS FIRST WIFE AND HIS FOUR CHILDREN WHILE THEY STILL BABY TO MARRY THAT WOMAN WHO DESTROYED WEDDINGS!!!!
You can see the twinkle in Jerry’s eye talking to Dick! My Father introduced me to Jerry when I was a small girl. He would come home on leave and we would watch him together. I haven’t seen a JL film on 🇬🇧 terrestrial TV for YEARS - the day my Dad died Cinderfella was on. I miss Jerry and that wonderful era.
He really should have done some serious roles in the 70's he really is a good looking man. When he takes the audience questions you can tell every woman is digging on him.
Jerry was such a genuine comedian that could turn it on and off so easily... smoothly... unlike some of the other comedians to this day, he was very good and handsome too... Loved his interactions with the audience and always loved his work with MD.. his marathons.. he was a good man..
I agree but some creepy people are telling tales about his dealings with his family! True or not it's nobody's business and furthermore everyone has a dark side! As far as his contributions to the entertainment industry he was superb and a brilliant man and a great Humanitarian plus his work with Muscular Dystrophy that nobody talks about anymore was astounding! His Telethons for over 40 years was epic and incredible! As far as I'm concerned Jerry Lewis was a Phenomenal person with talent like you'll Never Ever See Again Ever PERIOD!!!!!
I was a bellman back in the early 80s on the elevator he was doing his laaaady Schtick. I thought he was nuts. Turns out he was a great guy who was just performing for me. Really ended up liking him. Great memory
Mr Lewis is certainly impressive. I grew up loving his antics. It's extraordinary to see the perfectionism and intelligence behind the comedy act. So astute and articulate. I am very much in awe and love him very much. Rip Jerry.
He was hated by his children, prone to angry outbursts, cheated on several wives, and was an all-round asshole according to people who knew him. Yep, impressive.
I grew up watching Jerry Lewis. He made me laugh like no other. Roughly around 2014, I got to see him live at a Casino in my home state and he did the typewriter skit right in front of me. I had been laughing up until that moment but when he did a skit that I had seen so many times before, I just teared up because I was watching my idol with my own eyes, doing something that made me laugh when I was a kid. I thought I would laugh again... but I was in such awe, I just lost it. It was an amazing moment for me. I will never forget it. RIP Jerry! You are truly the king of comedy!
Lovely memories, they really are. I once liked him very much, but Jerry has recently been accused of sexually abusing a number of his female co-stars in the 60s. Not one, but a number of them have come forth with these accusations in a new book.
@@fifthbusiness1678 I know what they have said about him. I have also grown to dislike the person after seeing some things for myself... but I have chose to love the entertainer, not the man and I'm not going to allow what others say about him take those memories away from me.
@@russ7868 but it is too bad. I to liked Jerry Lewis and his comedy. He also treated all his biological children like garbage. That's a fact. It's disappointing to be sure and I find it very hard to watch his movies now without thinking what a terrible person he was to so many around him. That was before these new accusations. Same with Bill Cosby to a much greater degree since he has been alive to face his accusers and is obviously guilty. Yeah some might still admire the entertainer to some degree but it's not so easy after knowing what they really were.
Oh God! He was always gorgeous! At 25 years old when he was performing with Dean Martin, he used to be the cutest thing that ever lived then he became a gorgeous, sexy man starting in his early 30's until he was well in his 60's honestly
Check out Buddy in Nutty Professor. That was Jerry in real life basically. Brash, clean, loud mouth. He said he “patterned it after Dean” but nah, that’s him. He’s too cute in that tho...
I agree he is better looking than Dean Martin, it's because he pulled his face so much in his movies. I think he looks better looking than John Travolta when he was young
@@robertos4420 Ha, When I was a kid, he was on TV constantly, never thought much about him at all. He sort of got on my nerves. Then I recently watched him on this show and realized how handsome he was. I had to grow up to realize it.
I feel this was the best interview I've ever seen on Jerry Lewis. He was truthful, but always positive. There were moments when he shared a lot of meaningful insight and wisdom. As someone who spent many years behind the scenes in showbiz myself, I was struck by his insight and integrity. It may be true that there was a much darker side to Mr. Lewis. But he is allowed that as a human being. He was an incredibly gifted man, with a good heart. A one-of-a-kind artist who comes along very rarely.
It is one of the most articulate and insightful interviews I ever heard. It is true. That said, his childish straw up his nose gags and squeaky laughs are extremely annoying. Very unnecessary. And very unfunny. He tries so hard to be funny with those gags, but he is not. It is cringeworthy. One can easily see why audiences moved on from him. His comedy is just not funny. In 1970 he released "Which Way To The Front?" which was a huge flop. Nothing else was released for the next 10 years. *One released film in 10 years for a man who boasts of working `18 months and 20 hours a day on a film??* *Ouch!* ☹ Also have to wonder which films he claims audiences in Europe were currently lining up to see in 1973. It certainly was not any of his newer films as he released only one film between 1970-1980. Sorry. Just not buying the "Europeans love me and I am underappreciated here." narrative. No. American audiences just moved on from your tired out-dated style of comedy. A brilliant man who clearly failed to change with the times and adapt his comedy to more sophisticated and mature audiences. OTOH, he simply may not have had the talent to do a comedic monologue like Woody Allen. Hence he had to fall back on the same tired sophomoric routines he was doing in 1949.
Jerry claims his partners initially rejected his film and wanted changes and he simply re-sequenced the film and they then approved it. He is likely exaggerating but maybe that is basically true. But then he claims that he changed the film to its original version and released that version. The same version that his partners initially rejected was released. Don't believe that story. Producers can't be that clueless.
Why I like watching Jerry Lewis interviews: His slicked back jet black hair, his sense of style, his humor, and the sense of danger he creates through his self confidence.
Jerry Lewis really did do a wonderful job managing his public image. very warm and approachable, sincere, honest, etc. it wasn't until he was older than he let his guard down for us to realize he was a normal person with frailties...
The more of these old episodes I see the more I’m convinced television needs the Dick Cavett show today. there is nothing like this on television now. I wonder why
Elvis wanted to go see jerry lewis on the muscular dystrophy telethon one time in Vegas and his guys wouldn’t let him so he sent a check to jerry with Frank Sinatra from Elvis. Elvis wanted to meet Jerry Lewis. I wish they would have let him. I can’t believe Elvis listened and didn’t go. Usually Elvis went when and where he wanted. I think Joe was afraid of Colonel parker. Cause it would mean Elvis saw a audience for free. And parker didn’t want to have Elvis appear free for nothing. He called Frank and sent a check over with him for the telethon.
And, unlike today's late night ass clowns Dick was never intimidated by letting the star do most of the talking. Also, he was dignified and didn't talk over his guests.
As a child growing up, I always watched his movies . They were highly anticipated because we had no cable and they only came on once a year or maybe twice, not unlike the Beatles Help and Hard days night. Mad Mad Mad Mad World was and still is my favorite ( Jerry was in that)
I don't know this actor, i wasnt born in that era... but there is something charming about these old school actors and those times in general, there is no social media to prance around in. no like buttons no twitter followers... it's as if what they are saying is always sincere and raw, like you are tapping directly into their thoughts unhindered and unmasked.
When I was growing up, I idolized Jerry Lewis… In the last 15-20 years, it’s very obvious that he was not a kind or good man. But that said…he is definitely one of the most amazing and talented performers in history. Bless you Jerry…and for whatever your demons were, thank you for overcoming them…and for entertaining all of us…especially a little kid from South Philly.
I imagine you're not too confident. And, in the midst of your anxiety and crippling self-doubt, you've sought to pin your own failures in life upon some arbitrary ethnic category.
@@dp8134 Right, because it's just our imagination that a small segment of the population behaves the same exact way, no matter where in the world where you find them.....Ok , you keep believing that ...There are some that can see, you know?
Always liked Cavett. Relaxed, low key sense of humor, insightful questions, & able to go with the flow of the interview, & always respectful to his guests. Overall, a class act!
Since he's passed, I find myself looking at all Jerry Lewis interviews. Love to see him serious and not being silly. Such a handsome and intelligent man. Can remember being at the drive in with my parents and watching Jerry and Dean from the swings.
Some stars do that for some reason. Who knows, maybe he felt they had enough and didn't need more as they were aged 58 up to 74 themselves with families of their own, or he wasn't as rich as he once was and only had his property left for his wife. Does that mean he didn't love them even if they had possible fall outs? Doubt it.
@@bunnyhop3211 I think Jerry Lewis was a self absorbed genius, he was talented, but it was always about him, Dean, for him it was family and friends and fun , Dean was a more rounded person, and Jerry was an narcissist psychopath, and I think a big part of his life was lived in anger, and feeling like we did mot appreciate “his genius “
I miss him so much. Jerry Lewis is one of the main reasons why I decided to go to film school. Still can't believe he's gone. RIP. Love you so much. Thank you for the childhood laughs, and adult aspirations.
I feel the same way too man I love watching his movies so funny. TV was so great back then. Jerry Lewis would do his own Falls no stand oh stunt double like today. Sadly enough all those pratfalls were hard on his health.
I never watch the telethon anymore. We used to have telethon parties at my house. Back in the 70s, my child was very little, born in 1971. So I wasn’t going out allot. Cause we were racing boats and my husband was a engineer builder. We lived out on the ranch so people were at our house all the time. So all kinds of parties when we were home then we were gone allot.
Elvis loved comedians and loved Dean Martin too. I think it’s too bad that Elvis didn’t get to go to the telethon. I think Jerry would have loved that.
Interviews like this shows why Dean Martin was more endearing and beloved by audiences. American audiences do NOT care about the technical side of films, studio drama, or how long Jerry took to write a gag etc. They just wanna be entertained! Foreign audiences are much more into the technical side and how things worked. Dean was just a easy goin chill guy that had a vibe that u WANTED to know him, be him and be around him. Jerry didn’t have any of that. However, i do like “the kid” persona in his earlier Martin-Lewis films. That’s the Jerry I’ll always love.
Under the right direction of a good skillful interviewer such as Cavett, Jerry Lewis actually reflected and gave good thoughtful answers. I miss shows like Dick Cavett's where an actual conversation took place, and not three minutes of sound bites followed with commercials. Well done Mr Cavett..
He was an excessively talented man and communicator. Rare to hear someone talk so intelligently now. Now its just people moaning and talking about abuse and what they didn't get in life, what the think life owes them. No ambition nowadays, I'm young and feel this way.
though they need to be " curated ", some of these old interviews will teach you about the real America. what is happening now ...,, i feel sorry for the kids.
i have to give Kanye a lot of credit - an awful lot as he called out the group that was controlling the mass media. it was easy to prove his point as he was immediately dropped from all mass media. @@morganwhite2176
Stunning Interview, great credit to the genius of Jerry Lewis and the ability of Dick Cavett to put guests at ease and provide them with the space and consideration that they truly deserve.
Nobody interviewed like Jerry. There's something hypnotic about him. Working in Hollywood would doubtless have honed his conversational skills to a razor's edge. Damn, I said something rather intelligent.
Jerry Lewis was a comedic genius, an intelligent, handsome man and an extraordinary human being ❤️ without ever having the opportunity to cross this man's path, I am privelidged to have experienced his presence through modern media. My heartfelt thanks to you Mr Lewis
Jerry was an incredible comedic talent, ... and a very complicated man and often very conflicted as (a well known) egocentric personality. but he was always interesting to watch and listen to.
Len Hummel "egocentric"? Perhaps, but I never had that impression. The man had, nonstop, attention lathered on him. Maybe, if he had what is thought of as egocentricity, it was, in fact, more his attempts (and ability) to isolate himself and his family from the incessant poking from the people who looked and longed for attention. The guy (who was lip full of attention) trying to hide from unknowns, who would look, anywher, for attention.
I already posted. But I wanted to respond to your thoughtful comment, because I was thinking the same thing. When he got older, he seemed changed (for lack of better words)--but I thought, he's older and people aren't perfect. Also, many comedians are complicated. Think about Jerry's most famous ifilm, "Nutty Professor." heis counterpart was Buddy Love. Maybe he was revealing another side of himself in that film. Also, want to say I thought Dick Cavett seemed very nice in this interview also. He (Dick Cavett) was more cerebral, but he did a great job with Jerry here.
Or his attempts and absolute ability to isolate himself from his family! Agghh! The beatings, the child abuse, the drug and booze addiction. He was a horses ass not missed by those who knew him! You stink Dan!
Ron Stubbings he wasn't a big drinker, you're getting confused. He got addicted to the prescription painkillers that he took for a chronic back injury. He was a disciplinarian like others in the 50's, but also wasn't afraid to hug and kiss his kids. He was off working a lot, but if his wife said the boys missed him he would get a flight home in between shows, even if for an hour or two. He loved his family whatever you choose to think. Telling Dan he stinks sure says something about you though.
I love this entire interview, but my favorite part is at the very end, when Cavette says you haven't promoted anything....and Jerry doesn't. He was there to have a conversation with a friend. A true gentleman and class act.
What a fabulously articulate and sincere man Gerry Lewis was. We [in England] only ever got to see him playing the fool in his films and I remember how my family and myself rolled about laughing whenever he was performing. As usual Dick Cavett brings out the best in his guests.
I never really knew much about Jerry Lewis, really before my time, but I've been watching him in interviews / conversations over the last week or so, and I can say one thing: he always seemed to be very present. He was certainly interested in entertaining and being the center of attention, but he never ignored the other people in the room. That takes discipline and consideration, especially for a performer. He's very insightful, logical, level headed, and kind hearted. Much respect.
Artists are ALL self-centered otherwise they wouldn't be in show business. Those who hate Jerry have NEVER made the effort to figure out who he really was. They read the gossip magazines (who make money by defaming people) and think they know everything about him. When they barely know themselves.
@@strangevisions5162 There are plenty of bad comedies made by men. Gender has nothing to do with funny. Ask Carol Burnett. Watch Lucille Ball and Joan Rivers. Watch Elayne Boosler. I can name others, too.
Comic genius and "brilliant" don't even capture JL influence. He wrote, acted, and directed completely out the box. No one has ever come close to copying his "brand" of movies. Zany on screen... deeply insightful and reflective in person.
Jerry was the first of his kind! If you were a child of the 50's and 60's,and you come up with Jerry Lewis,he was the first of his kind to blow the comedy minds of young minds at that time! Jim Carey really carried that ''Jerry'' Rhythm. Nutty Professor is a Master Piece! Style,Color,Music,Drama,Deepness all in One! Love you Jerry! You are Jazzy and Cooll,which makes the inner comedy extreme.......
Cavett is still writing. I used to see him around Montauk ( a very small town) but he now lives in Connecticut. I hope he lives happily to 100. I loved his shows as a kid- I learned so much.
It is overwhelming how brilliant he is. And then, he also shows very down to earth qualities. Too complex to try and figure out. Better to just enjoy! 😅
I'm 81 and my bro was in his movie with dean Martin called sailor beware about sailors in San Diego where my bro was stationed. They were doing jumping Jack's my bro had to hold laughter he said it was so hard. I saw all of martin and Lewis movies etc. When I was in my teens noone ever made me laugh like jerry. Saw all of his telethon too. I loved jerry Lewis sooo much. He could act sing and dance. He was one of a kind. Brilliant. I will remember him forever !!❤
It's good to see him behind the scenes. You can make your own assessments of the type of person he is. What a great guy. He raised billions with a B, for MDA. That is amazing. Like Lucille Ball who made billions of people laugh, he helped millions of people. How many people can say that today? People are usually into what they are doing for themselves.
He was an amazingly talented interviewer! These in depth interviews with John Lennon, George Harrison, Marlon Brando, Groucho Marx and on and on.......... brilliant
Anne Stewart You are so right on about dick being the best interviewer of all time , Always made his quest and audience feel relaxed all the more as the interview went on just as if they were sitting in our living room just talking.
This is brilliant , love the interview , feel like this was a great time in Jerry Lewis's life , he was established and still in the heart of his life. He is incredibly intelligent, and I find him very handsome here.
Jerry Lewis was ONE COOL CAT This man was very humble, Respectable ,Kind Gave his life to all! Unbelievable MAN! There are still people like him Dick Cavett was the best
I’m 56 now and Jerry Lewis has been my favorite since I first seen one of his and Dean’s movies as a little kid. I would try to stay up as long as I could when watching the telethons.Jerry Lewis and Elvis was the best in my book! RIP sirs.
His brilliance is greatI’ve always loved Jerry Lewis and his movies ihe is a brilliant actorI’ve never seen him in interviews before it blew my mind what a highly intelligent man Jerry Lewis was
Many, many, many celebrities in real life completely disappoint! As far as being an entertainer, I can tell you as a child and even now, no one was funnier than Jerry Lewis. His physical comedy was like no one else. Regardless of his personal life, he was one of the GREATS!
if you've a long history of watching these shows( yes, I'm old), there always is someone who applauds a person's home city, so when Jerry recognized there was a paucity of applause, he was ready w/ the face .always ready ,always on. great comic ,great director. he mentions his only serious comedy never released. about the clown in Nazi Germany.
I've been a huge fan of Jerry's since I was a kid. So much talent & so handsome. I just love an intelligent man who doesn't take himself too seriously. I married someone much like him, it was an amazing ride for 35 years.
I worked audience with Jerry Lewis, at ABC , " Jerry's Children"....Have great respect for this man. His drive, and devotion. VIp him and his family at the Old Shrine. Hollywood. Class human being.😍🌅🙏🇺🇸🇩🇰👀
He was an absolute pig of a man off screen, his kids dreaded him, left all his in inheritance to his step daughter and nothing to his own flesh and blood and when his own son found out said, and I quote.... "knowing him I'm not surprised".. Horrible bastard of a human being
@@shanemulcahy109 ok? What do you want us to do? You sound like an insane person talking bad about a dead person who had nothing to do with you, it's not like he killed a person or something like that, nobody is perfect, relax
I use to watch Dick Cavett show religiously when young. Even today no one in my opinion is a equal to him as a talk show host. Not just talk show. He was such a extremely intelligent perspicacious individual who delves into his quest with such a inquisitive sui generis style. Thanks to who post these wonderful snippits into my past.
Ironically, Lewis' career was at a low ebb at the time of this interview. Despite criticizing empty-suit executives, Jerry's movie career had cratered. A few years earlier, his NBC variety show was cancelled after two seasons. It's fascinating how many people here have commented about Jerry's good looks. If Jerry had gotten over his ego, he could have re-invented himself with different, leading man-types roles. That said, I'll always love the mam.
Jerry worked hard to build what he had ..his father taught him that value and didn't leave him much. So Jerry believed his son's should be able to do the same.
Hello Jerry. Miss you down here. It's great to see you again. It's very difficult for a man to tell another man that he loves you. I love you Jerry and our world is really shitty without you.
I'm reminded of John Travolta at certain moments. Boy is he marvelous. I used to ROAR at his movies when I was young. He was great. This is a wonderful interview. He's very kind. Not only a very talented comedian, but also a talented director, something I didn't know. Astute comment about how American culture has been dulled by entertainment. And he's only 46 here.
Jerry Lewis is one of those extremely talented individuals in the entertainment business. In front of the camera and behind the camera. He created video-assist and his work on screen has been legendary! I grew up with Jerry Lewis and Bob Hope. Now seeing him here he shows incredible class! An awesome human being.
I remember the GREAT JERRY LEWIS, one of my all time fovorite acting legends of the past. I was privileged as a kid to see him on stage back in hollywood way back in a day and how lucky I was to experience that. He was truly and really a great multidimensional extraordinary and extremely talented human being.
One of a kind. Each of the two, in his own right. Couldn't believe Jerry Lewis was such a refined, deep thinker, a true intellectual. As of Dick Cavett it's talk show academy.
We all love you Jerry your a comedy legend! Smile you handsome devil.💝🌸💝 your movies are all some of the BEST I seen. Lord love and keep you. You are eternal loved! see you in heaven.
