The Ladies Man (1961)

90% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
69% of users liked it
(2,660 ratings)

Comedian Jerry Lewis began directing movies in 1960, and this often unkind satire on the nature of American womanhood is one of his early efforts in that regard. The rubber-legged, rubber-faced Lewis plays Herbert, a man who is despondent over the break-up of his romance. While looking for a job, he… More Comedian Jerry Lewis began directing movies in 1960, and this often unkind satire on the nature of American womanhood is one of his early efforts in that regard. The rubber-legged, rubber-faced Lewis plays Herbert, a man who is despondent over the break-up of his romance. While looking for a job, he comes across an impressive mansion (built as a set at the cost of $350,000) filled with women of all types -- and lo and behold -- they need a handyman. So Herbert gets to reside with a bevy of women of various types, all under the supervision of Mrs. Wellenmelon (Helen Traubel). In the end, the set itself outtrumps them all. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Jerry Lewis
Written By: Jerry Lewis, Bill Richmond
Genres: Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 28, 1961 Wide
On DVD: Oct 12, 2004

Critic Reviews

Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
A masterwork of demasculinization
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
This is one of Jerry's more creative comedies.
Sean Axmaker, Turner Classic Movies Online
...it's hard not to be awed by the technological leaps of this production, and at their best his gags delve in to the realm of the surreal last visited by the Marx Brothers.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Really funny moments happen with Jerry Lewis in all-girl rooming house.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Jerry Lewis' The Ladies Man (1961) is yet another work of genius.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
A bizarre, sexually ambiguous, cantankerously skeptical burlesque on the ascent of feminine independence.
Frank Ochieng, Movie Eye
Creatively goofy thanks to his inspired insanity, Lewis is at his naughty best in this carousing comedy
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Nicely mounted, interestingly done, but typically unfunny Lewis.

Read all 8 critic reviews

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Cast

            Jerry Lewis as Herbert H. Heebert

            Helen Traubel as Helen Welenmelon

            Kathleen Freeman as Katie

            Hope Holiday as Miss Anxious

            Mary LaRoche
            
            Madlyn Rhue
            
            Alex Gerry
            
            Jack Kruschen
            
            Buddy Lester as Buddy

            George Raft as Himself

            Pat Stanley as Fay

            Roscoe Ates
            
            Francesca Bellini
            
            Jacqueline Fontaine
            
            Marianne Gaba
            
            Harry James as Himself

            Marty Ingels as Marty

            Gloria Jean as Gloria

            Jack La Lanne as Himself

            Paula Lane
            
            Sylvia Lewis as Sylvia

            Ann McCrea
            
            Eddie Quillan
            
            Sheila Rogers
            
            Joan Staley
            
            Westbrook Van Voorhis as Himself

            Doodles Weaver
            
            Meri Welles
            
            Beverly Wills
            
            Daria Massey
            
            Patricia Blair
            
            Gretchen Houser
            
            Lynn Ross
            
See full cast

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