The Bellboy
Lewis’ comedy is a taste I’ve never been able to acquire up till now, but this ramshackle series of blackout gags is kind of brilliant, and even daring in the context of U.S. comedies of the 50s and 60s (thank goodness Kruschen prepares us for the onslaught!) Difficult to discuss without venturing into spoiler territory, but most of the gags here are elaborately staged and wittily executed, with some playing a much longer game than you might expect – my favourite bit being the resemblance that Lewis’ bellboy has to a celebrity guest, only to build to a killer punchline involving Berle. Well worthwhile, even for non-Lewis fanatics.
Mini Review: Lewis’ comedy is a taste I’ve never been able to acquire up till now, but this ramshackle series of blackout gags is kind of brilliant, and even daring in the context of U.S. comedies of the 50s and 60s (thank goodness Kruschen prepares us for the onslaught!) Difficult to discuss without venturing into spoiler territory, but most of the gags here are elaborately staged and wittily executed, with some playing a much longer game than you might expect – my favourite bit being the resemblance