Cinderfella (1960)

Cinderfella finds Jerry Lewis toning things down slightly, which means that there are actually several segments of this children's film that adults can watch without cringing. Fans of Lewis' over-the-top performing style needn't worry; there are still plenty of opportunities to watch the star mug, convulse, and run circles around himself (and others), as well as turn words and phrases into strings of mush (sometimes at an interminable length). Still, there are also some moments, particularly toward the end, when Lewis plays in a subdued manner that is quite appealing, creating a sweeter version of what will later become his Buddy Love character in The Nutty Professor. Cinderfella also has some nice "slumming" work from Judith Anderson and an enchanting, if criminally underutilized, stunning Anna Maria Alberghetti (whose glorious singing voice is heard only briefly). There's also a nice turn by Joe Williams and Count Basie's band and a decent bit from Ed Wynn; otherwise, there's not much to Cinderfella. The gender-switching fairy tale idea is never really explored, either for theme or for comic invention, and a subplot about Fella's secret treasure from his father is just so much dross. Lewis and Frank Tashlin's direction is surprisingly bland (although they do compose a nicely framed closing shot); even when Lewis lets loose, the film doesn't seem to be having a lot of fun. Better in concept than execution, Cinderfella is harmless but not particularly involving. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide