Professor Julius Kelp (Lewis) is a kooky chemistry professor. He's extremely awkward, socially inept and a complete weakling. However, and this is important, he's a very nice and likable guy. However, Kelp is tired of being pushed around and he's also very lonely. Perhaps he can use his knowledge of chemistry to make himself into the man he wishes he could be. Unfortunately, like the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this new facade is a hit with the ladies and is sophisticated...but he's also a major jerk. What's to become of poor Dr. Kelp? And, who will the girl (Stella Stevens) love--the nerdy professor or the slick lady's man, Buddy Love (also Lewis)?

I had a rare privilege because I got to see this film on a big screen at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. And, the audience was crammed full of die-hard Jerry Lewis fans who laughed uproariously throughout the screening. Plus, Lewis made an appearance and talked at length about the film, life and much more--and was marvelously animated and youthful for a man of 88!

I would have to say that although I don't think I thought this film was the masterpiece many have proclaimed it to be (I do think Lewis made some better films),it is extremely enjoyable and a few of the gags were hilarious (particularly in the gymnasium). I also appreciate how the film has heart--a nice message and greater depth than the usual comedy. One of Lewis' best films, certainly, and one that has exceptionally good timing and subtlety--something you just don't see in a lot of his comedies.

My only complaint is that it does run out of steam at the end. However, The Nutty Professor is a wonderful film, with a very interesting story that is benefited by a great concept. While I was one of those who did like the Eddie Murphy film even with the flaws it did have, this 1963 film I feel is the superior version. The colours, cinematography and effects are still very striking, there is a cracking script and a number of fun scenes. The characters are likable and entertaining, and the acting is fine too with special mention going to Jerry Lewis's brilliant performance in the title role. The film is very well directed too. All in all, wonderful and entertaining film. 9/10 Bethany Cox

In The Nutty Professor Jerry Lewis created one of his most endearing characters and the only one that another comic also adopted. Eddie Murphy who changed the last name from Kelp to Klump did not do an imitation of Lewis. He created his own milquetoast professor who starts experimenting with life altering potions. In fact Murphy created a whole family of characters for his two films.

Jerry did not have the computer graphics available to Murphy, but his Julius Kelp who morphs into Buddy Love does quite all right with just Paramount's makeup wizardry and his own talent. When you think about it Jerry has joined some pretty distinguished company with John Barrymore, Fredric March, Spencer Tracy, and Boris Karloff all who played Dr. Jekyll on the big screen.

Those guys weren't playing it for laughs though, Lewis did see the possibilities of humor in this deadly serious story. He also mined a lot of pathos from both Julius Kelp and Buddy Love.

It's a simple story, Jerry is the world's ultimate nerd in Professor Julius Kelp who gets bullied by all. After a bad session with the college football players he decides that Dupont had the right idea, better living through chemistry. He does his Jekyll thing and from the ultimate nerd, Lewis becomes a candidate for lounge lizard of the century, a man auditioning for admittance to Sinatra's rat pack.

One thing I have to say, that college seem to be caught in time warp. In 1963 kids were no longer listening to Les Brown and his Band of Renown. Yet that is their musical entertainment for the spring prom. Personally I think it would have registered better if say The Beach Boys would have been the entertainment, far more contemporary for 1963. But that would not have allowed Jerry a little chance to spoof the Rat Pack and his old partner Dean Martin.

Jerry's Professor Kelp is someone you really care about and that's the secret of The Nutty Professor's enduring popularity.