Boeing Boeing (1965)

Those who have eagerly awaited some of Jerry Lewis' post-Dean Martin classics being released on DVD and Blu-ray for the first time will have a special Valentine courtesy of Olive Films as 1958's "The Geisha Boy," 1958's "Rock-a-Bye Baby" and 1965's "Boeing Boeing" get a 2/14/12 release. It's hard to imagine that these films have not been made available on DVD prior to now! Of course, Lewis still remains a love it or loathe it proposition for many modern era film goers--but there is no denying his legacy and impact on the contemporary comedy scene. Oftentimes content to play the fool, Lewis displayed an innocent appeal on-screen that engaged a sense of silliness in us all. But he had genuine heart too, and his good-natured screen persona created some indelibly beloved characters that stand in contrast to his more complicated personal life. These films are an interesting cross section of Lewis' film catalogue as we see him doing what he does best but bringing additional elements of seriousness to the table. Made of a certain time and place, these films offer great nostalgia value for those that love Lewis--but also an opportunity for new viewers to discover Lewis in his prime.

"Boeing Boeing" is a real product of its time (despite its 2008 all-star Broadway revival). Originally penned as a French farce by Marc Camoletti, this play was first adapted for an English language audience in 1962. It must have seemed like a great idea to bring this broad comedy to the big screen, and its frantic energy is infectious and also a bit tiring. Tony Curtis is the actual lead who is juggling three live-in fiances. Seem impossible? Not when all three are stewardesses for rival international airlines whose schedules never intersect. But that's all about to change as advances in aviation have created faster jets which upsets Curtis' precise scheduling. In one harried evening, all three ladies will overlap with Curtis, his put-upon housekeeper (always great to see Thelma Ritter), and Jerry Lewis as Curtis' friend/nemesis who wants in on the action. It's non-stop mayhem with near misses and constant scheming. It's all so chaste and silly and perfectly exemplifies the swinging sixties mentality with an undercurrent of sexism as the women are little more than a prize for Curtis' womanizing philanderer.

But given all that, it can still be a bit of wacky fun. Curtis has rarely had such a physically demanding role--he's always on the go. In a change of pace, Lewis is actually more of the straight guy in the comic piece. Funny and adult, without his usual cartoonish mannerisms, this actually netted Lewis his only Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy. The actresses all imbue their cultural stereotypes with enthusiasm (one is British, one French, one German) and Ritter can do no wrong. I think it's fascinating that Lewis turns in one of his most understated roles in this completely over-the-top scenario! But it is Curtis, and his constant scrambling, that I always remember. It's fun and funny, as long as you can just accept the premise at face value. I always describe this one to people as an extended version of Three's Company with Curtis perfecting the role of Jack Tripper. Not deep, but energetic and amusing, it's a comedy that succeeds because everyone is fully committed to the silliness. KGHarris, 12/11.

When the opening credits run, and the supporting female cast members `measurements' are shown beneath their names, you have no doubt you're in the 60's, bedroom farce, defined. In a roll reversal of sorts Jerry Lewis plays straight man to Tony Curtis this time around.

Bernie Lawrence (Curtis) is an American newspaper man stationed in Paris, the man for whom there is never too many airline hostesses, just too little time. His delicately balanced, and timed to the minute, 4-way love life comes totally unwound when old pal Robert Reed (Lewis) arrives for an unexpected stay.

Cliché after cliché, time stamped in most every shot, Boeing Boeing is a tribute to a different type of filmmaking than we see today, a different morality, a different approach to comedy.

Wonderful Paris sights are an added treat. Recommended.

Buy Boeing Boeing (1965) Now

I first watched this movie in Iran when I was no more than 6 years old! Since then, I have searched far and wide for this amazing and hilarious comedy only to find it here. This movie will have you rolling on the floor with clever slapstick and double entendres. It is a superb addition to any video library!

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I AM THRILLED THAT BOEING BOEING WAS RELEASED ON BLURAY . WIDESCREEN AND HIGH DEF IS THE ONLY WAY TO SEE THIS MOVIE . I AM BIG FAN OF JERRY LEWIS'S MORE ADULT MOVIES AND THIS IS MY 2ND FAVORITE . I HOPE TO SEE THREE ON A COUCH , HOOK,LINE AND SINKER , THE BIG MOUTH , AND THE BELLBOY SOON.

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I consider this movie one of the Greatest Comedy in Cinema History! TCurtis, JLewis and the less known but great actress Thelma Ritter simply put a Roller-Coaster movie that keeps you glued and amused from start till the end. Not many other comedies can do the same. And Jerry Lewis part is not diminished at all by the others ones. (I'm a real Jerry Lewis fan, but I don't think that Tony Curtis and Thelma Ritter are nobody in Cinema History, simply look back.....) All 3 are Simply Great, the Movie is Simply unmissible and any Superlative Word available in the Vocabulary can freely be used!

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