Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Jerry Lewis alien comedy has lots of mild sexual innuendo.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Visit to a Small Planet
What's the Story?
Disobeying orders, the very immature Kreton (Jerry Lewis at the height of his mugging and comic mayhem) ventures far from his own planet to study life on Earth. He lands in a world of business executives, TV personalities, and a naive young beauty whose innocence is sorely tested by an eager suitor. Kreton's presence impacts everyone and, in a series of improbable incidents, his curiousity is satisfied, he changes the lives of several characters, and, at least minimally, begins to grow up.
Is It Any Good?
Based on an acclaimed play -- Gore Vidal's parody of the Communist witch hunt in the 1950s -- this filmed version of VISIT TO A SMALL PLANET has been turned into standard Jerry Lewis silliness. The "special" effects are purposefully cheesy; the acting is broad; and what story there is simply showcases Jerry Lewis hi-jinks. Kids may appreciate the pratfall humor, but the "wink-wink" sexual repartee compromises the innocent fun.
One hilarious scene in a beatnik bar with Buddy Rich on drums, and an extraordinary dance number, may be enough to make the film worth a look if you don't mind the "opium den" atmosphere of the place.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the very simple, almost nostaglic, nature of the special effects in this film from 1960. Compare with the techniques of today. How did the old-fashioned effects enhance this particular movie?
Jerry Lewis has been described as a "clown." What are some of the traits that make a clown different from other comedic characters?
How do the women in this movie reflect the attitudes and perceptions of 1960? Talk about the changes for women since that time.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 4, 1960
- Cast : Earl Holliman , Jerry Lewis , Joan Blackman
- Director : Norman Taurog
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 14, 2020
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