Who's Minding the Store?
Jerry Lewis plays Norman Phiffer, a proud man in a humble life, who doesn't know that his girlfriend, Barbara, is heir to the Tuttle Department Store dynasty. Mrs. Tuttle, Barbara's mother, is determined to split the two lovers, and hires Norman in an attempt to humiliate him enough that Barbara leaves him. Will she ruin their love, or will he ruin her store?
Insights
Plot Summary
A good-natured but clumsy dog walker inherits a large department store from his eccentric millionaire employer. He struggles to manage the store, leading to a series of chaotic and comical mishaps as he tries to impress his employer's daughter and prove his business acumen.
Critical Reception
Critically, 'Who's Minding the Store?' is generally viewed as a quintessential Jerry Lewis vehicle, leaning heavily on his signature slapstick and physical comedy. While it found favor with audiences at the time for its broad humor, critical reviews often point to its predictable plot and reliance on Lewis's schtick, though his comedic energy is frequently praised.
What Reviewers Say
- Jerry Lewis's trademark physical comedy and outlandish gags are on full display.
- The plot is thin, serving primarily as a framework for Lewis's energetic performance.
- Agnes Moorehead provides strong comedic support as the disapproving matriarch.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's laugh-out-loud moments and Jerry Lewis's over-the-top performance as the main draws. Many find it an enjoyable, lighthearted comedy that delivers on slapstick entertainment.
Fun Fact
The film features an early appearance by veteran character actor Ray Walston, who would later become widely known for his role as Uncle Martin in the 1960s television series 'My Favorite Martian'.
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