Tag Archives: comedy

Jun 10 2014
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DVDs, Humor, Movies, Pop Culture

Nut Case

Classic Jerry Lewis Jekyll & Hyde parody celebrates 50th anniversary

The Nutty Professor 50th_contents

The Nutty Professor: 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition

Blu-ray $54.99 (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment)

 

Jerry Lewis co-wrote, directed and starred in this 1964 parody, based on the tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, about a bumbling chemistry teacher, Julius Kelp, who invents a magic potion that turns him into a smarmy nightclub singer named Buddy Love. A comedy classic that’s even been recognized by the Library of Congress, it now celebrates its half-century milestone with a load of bonus features, including a CD of Lewis’ private prank phone calls; a 44-page script with Jerry’s notes; a recreation of a 96-page “inspirational” booklet Lewis made to rev up his disgruntled cast and crew; bloopers, outtakes and screen tests; and two complete additional Lewis movie comedies of the era, The Errand Boy and Cinderfella.

—Neil Pond, American Profile Magazine

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Apr 23 2014
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Books, Humor, Pop Culture

What’s So Funny?

A professor and a writer walk into a bar…

The Humor CodeThe Humor Code

By Peter McGraw & Joel Warner

Hardcover $26 / Kindle edition $11.89 (Simon & Schuster)

What makes us laugh? The two authors, a university professor and an award-winning journalist, teamed up to span the globe on a quest to find out what’s (so) funny, questioning dozens of experts (from professional comedians to cartoonists and comedy writers), auditioning to be laughers for Los Angeles TV tapings, investigating an African mass hysteria outbreak, risking arrest in a Scandinavian cartoon controversy, and testing their talents at the world’s largest comedy festival. Witty, wise and full of delightful surprises, it’s a rollicking expedition that seeks a common connection to all our collective funny bones.

—Neil Pond, American Profile Magazine

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