It's Only Money (1962)

It's Only Money has and will always be my favorite Lewis film. The cast put on some very humorous performances. Jack Weston is absolutely perfect as Leopold, the butler for the Charles P. Albright house and sinister partner to Gregory DeWitt (played by Zachary Scott), who's the lawyer of and confidant for the former master of the house, Charles P. Albright Sr.

The dizzy plot keeps pulling silliness out of it's hat for the whole length of the movie. There's no need to even consider Jerry Lewis' role here because it's so continually ridiculous that it fits perfectly! Jesse White is another perfect pick as the Private Eye pal of Jerry's character, who is trying to solve the case of the missing heir not knowing.....well, watch and see.

It's one of those movies that just makes you laugh. I've seen this one many a time and it was no small joy when I saw it was going to be finally put out on DVD. I've been waiting for this for a long time cause they almost never show this movie on TV anymore.

I'll never forget the scene when the butler, Leopold, is talking to Gregory DeWitt and is told there's a need for a little....accident. Some of the funniest movies ever were the group that Frank Tashlin and Jerry Lewis made in the late 50's and early 60's. This one is no exception. Even if you're not a Jerry Lewis fan, if you want to watch some ridiculously funny gags performed about as well as could be done, I can't recommend It's Only Money enough.

For anyone who enjoys the Jerry Lewis films that were directed by Frank Tashlin, this is a lesser known black and white gem. Before Frank Tashlin directed films, he worked for Warner Brothers directing Looney Tunes cartoons. The first time he directed the solo Jerry Lewis was in 1958 in Rock A Bye Baby followed later in 1958 with The Geisha Boy. In 1960 Tashlin directed Lewis in Cinderfella. Two years later in 1962, Tashlin directed Jerry in this lesser known film It's Only Money. The next year in 1963, Tashlin directed Lewis in Who's Minding The Storemy absolutely favorite Jerry Lewis film of all time. The next year in 1964, Tashlin directed Lewis in their 6th and final film togetherThe Disorderly Orderly. For a Jerry Lewis fan, these are all must have films and four of these Tashlin/Lewis films are finally on dvd after decades of waitingRock A Bye Baby and The Geisha Boy are available this month of February 2012. Then at the end of next month March of 2012, this movie It's Only Money and my favorite of all timeWho's Minding The Store will be available on dvd.

It's Only Money stars Jerry Lewis as an electronics TV Repairman Lester March, who dreams of becoming a detective someday. Lester's best friend Pete Flint (played by Jesse White) is a detective that gets Jerry to help him solve a case for a huge $100,000.00 reward in finding a wealthy woman's long lost nephew. Jerry is a 25 year old orphan, who is recognized in the mansion by the family's attorney as the missing nephew Charles Albright Jr.. The only problem is the attorney bumped off Charles Albright Sr. so he can marry the wealthy womanCharles Sr.'s sisterCecilia Albright, then bump her off and get the family fortune. Of course Jerry must be bumped off as well, since his real identity is an heir to the fortune. Luckily, the family nurse Wanda (played by Joan O'Brien) also recognizes Jerry's true identity and helps him from the murderous attorney and butler. This film may not be as hilarious as Who's Minding The Store with it's non stop sight gags and humor, but there are moments where your sides will kill you from laughter. There is a scene where Jerry runs into a female fisherman at a pier that will leave you laughing.

Having these 4 Tashlin/Lewis movie gems finally released after so many decades of waiting by us Jerry Lewis fans is wonderful beyond words. Huge Thank You's to Olive Films for releasing these on dvd this 2012! And for all of you Jerry Lewis fans, don't forget to add this lesser known solid 4 1/2 Star gem to your Lewis library in March when you order the solid 5 Star Who's Minding The Storebetween these 2 films, you will be in for some major side-splitting laughs!

Buy It's Only Money (1962) Now

Jerry Lewis' lone comedy of 1962 has to be one of his best. Again, Lewis plays a hapless schnook named Lester March, a radio-TV repairman who's befriended a detective (much to the private eye's annoyance) who, in turn, is seeking the missing heir to a wealthy TV genius/pioneer who's passed on. Naturally, as the movie plays out, it's really March who's the missing link, set against a backdrop of menace as greedy relatives conspire to bump him off & collect the money.

Director Frank Tashlin was the perfect guy to handle Lewis; here was a former animation director (of Looney Toons fame, no less) directing a "living cartoon". Tashlin relished in dreaming up the wildest gags for Lewis to play out, particularly evident in this film.

The supporting cast is great, particularly Mae Questel (of Betty Boop fame) as a clueless bride-to-be; Jesse White as the private eye; and Jack Weston as a bloodthirsty chauffeur bent on killing Lewis (who always manages to live).

And of course, there's some priceless bits: Lewis narrowly escaping a limo run-down, an exploding boat & a wild climax involving remote-controlled lawnmowers.

Sharp eyes will even notice some self-promotion in one scene: On a wall behind Lewis is a movie poster for "The Errand Boy"!

Definitely one for Lewis fans to add to their collection!

Read Best Reviews of It's Only Money (1962) Here

I have been collecting all of the Jerry Lewis movies, when you feel like the world is to heavy on your shoulders some days, just pop in a Jerry Lewis movie, you are sure to laugh at anything he does, a great actor.....

Want It's Only Money (1962) Discount?

I was pleased to see that It's Only Money would be released on DVD. When I found this out I had no hesitation to order it. After watching this years ago I knew that this would be a great purchase. This DVD does not disappoint. It's just as funny as I remember it. The Standard DVD picture is okay though. Having a few flaws in some places but not bad enough to stop anyone from buying it. If you grew up watching Jerry's movies like I did you'll be happy with this DVD purchase. And even if you didn't grow up with him it's still a good funny movie that the whole family can enjoy.

Save 27% Off