Infantile neurotic Jerry Lewis (as Jerome Littlefield) dreams of one day becoming a doctor like his father, but has instead become "The Disorderly Orderly" at the "Whitestone Sanitarium and Hospital" (for recovering nut-cases). As you'll see, Mr. Lewis is well-placed. The sanitarium locations are recognizable as being filmed at "Greystone", the mansions producer Dan Curtis used for the west coast "Collinwood" on his "Dark Shadows" TV series. It's a frequently filmed estate.
There are several clever bits; it's too bad the comedy is so often strained. The introduction of three Lewis characters before the credits is a waste of time. And, Lewis' "Jerome" fails as a sort of a split personality, as outlined by head doctor Glenda Farrell (as Jean Howard). He's also caught up in a dull "love triangle" with nurse Karen Sharpe (as Julie Blair) and patient Susan Oliver (as Susan Andrews). However, the delightful Kathleen Freeman (as Maggie Higgins) is always an asset.
**** The Disorderly Orderly (12/16/64) Frank Tashlin ~ Jerry Lewis, Susan Oliver, Glenda Farrell, Kathleen Freeman
There are several clever bits; it's too bad the comedy is so often strained. The introduction of three Lewis characters before the credits is a waste of time. And, Lewis' "Jerome" fails as a sort of a split personality, as outlined by head doctor Glenda Farrell (as Jean Howard). He's also caught up in a dull "love triangle" with nurse Karen Sharpe (as Julie Blair) and patient Susan Oliver (as Susan Andrews). However, the delightful Kathleen Freeman (as Maggie Higgins) is always an asset.
**** The Disorderly Orderly (12/16/64) Frank Tashlin ~ Jerry Lewis, Susan Oliver, Glenda Farrell, Kathleen Freeman