Gary Lewis & the Playboys Movies
- 1995
Some of the best rock & roll acts of the day appeared on the TV series Hullabaloo during its run from 1965 to 1966, and this home video release presents two half-hour episodes in their entirety. Gary Lewis hosts the first episode, with his father Jerry Lewis also stopping by; Gary and his group Gary Lewis and the Playboys perform, as well as Paul Revere and the Raiders, Barry McGuire, and Joanie Sommers. In episode two, Sammy Davis Jr. is master of ceremonies (and sings a few tunes as well), introducing his guests the Supremes, Sonny and Cher, the Lovin' Spoonful, and the Strangeloves. As a bonus, the video features additional performances from Marvin Gaye, Dusty Springfield, the Young Rascals, and the Searchers. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- 1966
In this musical farce, a dim-witted fellow finally gets his chance to become a secret agent like his brother when the former receives an important phone call meant for the latter. He then begins looking into a conspiracy to sabotage an upcoming beach party. He learns of this plot from a concerned teen who over head a fellow who has been "driven mad by rock'n'roll" scheming with another. The film is filled with music from the day's popular stars including: "Malibu Run" (Jim Karstein, Leon Russell, Gary Lewis, T. Leslie, sung by Gary Lewis and the Playboys), "Out on the Floor" (Fred Darian, Al De Lory, sung by Dobie Gray), "She'll Come Back" (Nita Garfield, Howard Kaylan, sung by the Turtles), "Baby Please Don't Go" (Joe Williams, sung by the Astronauts), "It's Not Unusual" (Gordon Mills, Les Reed, sung by the Knickerbockers), "Funny over You" (Freddie Garrity, sung by Freddie and the Dreamers), "A Love Like You" (Quinn & Jones, sung by Freddie and the Dreamers), "What's Her Name," and "Hip City" (Darian, De Lory). ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jonathan Daly, Maren Jensen, (more)
- 1965
Featuring plenty of rock & roll, such artists as Gary Lewis and the Playboys, The Righteous Brothers and the Rip Chords, this fun-filled bit of fluff tells the story of a trio of teens who try to scare up summer cash by running a dance pavilion at a lakeside resort. Raquel Welch made her acting and singing debut in this film. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- James Stacy, William Wellman, Jr., (more)
As if one Jerry Lewis wasn't enough, The Family Jewels offers no fewer than seven Jerrys. Fans of Lewis will like the film. Others should be advised to steer clear of any and all French film festivals. The plot revolves around nine-year-old Donna Peyton (Donna Butterworth), who stands to inherit 30 million dollars. The catch: Donna must pick a new daddy from her late father's six closest male relatives. Lewis spends most of the film playing family chauffeur Willard Woodward, whom Donna loves above all others. He also portrays snaggle-toothed gangster "Bugs" Peyton, hirsute sea captain James Peyton, flying fool Captain Eddie Peyton, cynical clown Everett Peyton, Holmes-like detective Skylock Peyton (whose "Dr. Matson" is corpulent Sebastian Cabot), and photographer Julius Peyton (a reprise of Lewis' Nutty Professor character Julius Kelp). Though fitfully amusing, The Family Jewels is too sloppily put together to completely satisfy anyone other than Lewis' most fervent fans. Best bits: the in-flight movie starring Anne Baxter, the marathon pool game, and Bugs Peyton's outrage at being called a rat fink. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jerry Lewis, Sebastian Cabot, (more)
In 1965 and 1966, some of the biggest names in rock & roll appeared on the TV series Hullabaloo, and this home video collects two classic episodes from the show, featuring performances from a handful of great artists. First, Michael Landon is the host as the Byrds, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Jackie DeShannon, and Chad and Jill play their latest hits. Next, Gary Lewis serves as master of ceremonies and performs a tune with his group, Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Joining Lewis are the Mamas and the Papas, Dionne Warwick, Bobby Rydell, and Noel Harrison. Filling out the tape are bonus performances from the Moody Blues, the Turtles, the Animals, and the Marvelettes. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
