Review of Which Way to the Front?

I will never understand the hostility this movie instills in some people. I get that some people just do not like Jerry Lewis movies, but this is a real gem that has seemingly been lost in the mists of time.

This is not a documentary so there are plenty of anachronisms, but that is not enough for all the pans this films gets.

It has all the Lewis trademarks. Slapstick and sight gags fill the movie and always makes me think of the silent comedians Lewis obviously adored. In addition the dialogue is witty and very funny, including some laugh out loud moments. The cast is impeccable with a few of the Lewis players Jerry employed over his film career. Harold Stone and Kathleen Freeman are standouts. Two new faces for a Jerry Lewis movie are Jan Murray and Steve Franken. Franken would appear with Jerry again in Hardly working and they are both great here.

Lastly Jerry is vastly underrated as a director. He is innovative as always with camera angles and framing.

This film is in the upper echelon of the Lewis library just below The Nutty Professor, The Bellboy, and The Disorderly Orderly. Easily on par with any of the Martin & Lewis collaborations.

I highly recommend.