stella Stevens

The Nutty Professor (1963) starring Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens

 The Nutty Professor is Jerry Lewis‘ most famous film, and with good reason.   Unlike many of his comedies, this is more than a thin plot for him to hang slapstick on.   The character of Dr. Julius Kelp is well-rounded and sympathetic. He’s also the traditional klutz that Jerry Lewis portrays so well.   The ultimate nerd, he’s physically humiliated in front of his class.  So, he tries several (very funny) attempts at building himself up, only to fail miserably.   Kelp then turns to his knowledge of science to create a formula to turn himself into the macho he-man that he dreams of being.  All in hopes of earning the affections of Stella Purdy (played very well by Stella Stevens).   The potion works all too well, releasing the suave, self-confident, arrogant and conceited Buddy Love.