Cracking Up (film)
Encyclopedia
Cracking Up is a comedy film
directed by and starring Jerry Lewis
. Originally titled Smorgasbord, it was filmed in June 1982 and only received limited distribution in the United States
.
The film marked a one-time reunion with Bill Richmond
, Lewis' screenwriting collaborator on such films as The Nutty Professor
and The Patsy.
) is a klutz who cannot do anything right. He tells his psychiatrist, Dr. Pletchick (Herb Edelman
), his problems. Through a series of flashbacks the viewer sees Warren's life story.
Warren is such a failure that even his many attempts to commit suicide fail. Eventually the psychiatrist uses hypnosis to cure Warren. However, although Warren is now cured, the psychiatrist has inherited all of Warren's problems.
, and Milton Berle
. In December 1982, after filming completed, Lewis underwent triple-bypass heart surgery at the Desert Springs Hospital, Las Vegas NV.
, where it was released on April 13, 1983 by Warner Brothers, Belgium
, and Italy
. It made its U.S. debut in 1983 directly to cable and on videocassette. In May 1985 it was given a U.S. theatrical premiere during a two-day run at New York's Thalia Theater under its original title, Smorgasbord.
Comedy film
Comedy film is a genre of film in which the main emphasis is on humour. They are designed to elicit laughter from the audience. Comedies are mostly light-hearted dramas and are made to amuse and entertain the audiences...
directed by and starring Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis is an American comedian, actor, singer, film producer, screenwriter and film director. He is best known for his slapstick humor in film, television, stage and radio. He was originally paired up with Dean Martin in 1946, forming the famed comedy team of Martin and Lewis...
. Originally titled Smorgasbord, it was filmed in June 1982 and only received limited distribution in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
The film marked a one-time reunion with Bill Richmond
Bill Richmond
Bill Richmond was an African American boxer, born a slave in Cuckold's Town , Staten Island, New York. His nickname was 'The Black Terror'....
, Lewis' screenwriting collaborator on such films as The Nutty Professor
The Nutty Professor
The Nutty Professor is a 1963 Paramount Pictures science fiction comedy feature film produced, directed, co-written and starring Jerry Lewis...
and The Patsy.
Plot
Warren Nefron (Jerry LewisJerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis is an American comedian, actor, singer, film producer, screenwriter and film director. He is best known for his slapstick humor in film, television, stage and radio. He was originally paired up with Dean Martin in 1946, forming the famed comedy team of Martin and Lewis...
) is a klutz who cannot do anything right. He tells his psychiatrist, Dr. Pletchick (Herb Edelman
Herb Edelman
Herbert "Herb" Edelman was an American actor of stage, film and television. He was twice nominated for an Emmy Award for his television work. One of his best remembered roles was as Stanley Zbornak, the ex-husband of Dorothy Zbornak on the long-running situation comedy, The Golden Girls...
), his problems. Through a series of flashbacks the viewer sees Warren's life story.
Warren is such a failure that even his many attempts to commit suicide fail. Eventually the psychiatrist uses hypnosis to cure Warren. However, although Warren is now cured, the psychiatrist has inherited all of Warren's problems.
Production
It includes many cameos, including Sammy Davis Jr., Dick ButkusDick Butkus
Richard Marvin "Dick" Butkus is a former American football player for the Chicago Bears. He was drafted in 1965 and he is also widely regarded as one of the best and most durable linebackers of all time. Butkus starred as a football player for the University of Illinois and the Chicago Bears. He...
, and Milton Berle
Milton Berle
Milton Berlinger , better known as Milton Berle, was an American comedian and actor. As the manic host of NBC's Texaco Star Theater , in 1948 he was the first major star of U.S. television and as such became known as Uncle Miltie and Mr...
. In December 1982, after filming completed, Lewis underwent triple-bypass heart surgery at the Desert Springs Hospital, Las Vegas NV.
Release
The film was released theatrically in some European countries, notably FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, where it was released on April 13, 1983 by Warner Brothers, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, and Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. It made its U.S. debut in 1983 directly to cable and on videocassette. In May 1985 it was given a U.S. theatrical premiere during a two-day run at New York's Thalia Theater under its original title, Smorgasbord.