One More Time

One More Time is a 1970 British comedy film featuring an oddly delightful blend of music, surrealism, and comedy. Directed by Jerry Lewis, known for his influential comedy routines, the film mainly showcases Sammy Davis Jr.'s and Peter Lawford's knack for entertaining.

The film stars Sammy Davis Jr. as Charles Salt, an American pop singer living in London. Davis Jr., known for being a part of the famous showbiz group, the Rat Pack, brings to the table a sort of controlled chaos, creating an eccentric character who is caught up in his dizzying world of fame and fortune. Charles Salt is a larger-than-life entertainer who is constantly being coaxed by his brother and manager, Christopher Pepper, played by Peter Lawford.

Lawford portrays Christopher Pepper, the more level-headed of the duo. Lawford, also part of the Rat Pack and known for his charisma, provides a foil to Davis Jr.'s character. He and Davis Jr. share a spirited on-screen chemistry that makes their performances truly enjoyable. While Pepper’s job is to manage his brother's career, he constantly finds himself outfoxed by Charles’s illogical schemes and zany antics.

One of these bizarre situations Charles involves in is buying a haunted mansion, leading to an unexpected cast of spectral supporting characters. This aims to infuse the classic British haunted house narrative with the flashy world of American pop in London. This unique and bemusing plot offers a potpourri of moments where the living and the spirits intertwine, leading to comical chaos and lighthearted horror elements. The whimsical storyline defies logic or continuity to peddle a charmingly loopy cinematic experience.

John Wood, an acclaimed British actor known for his range of dramatic roles, appears as Walbrook, a peculiar character tied to the haunted mansion which Charles buys. His performance adds further depth and Gothic flair to the narrative.

The film is largely a showcase for Davis Jr.'s talents as a singer and dancer. The musical performances are one of the standouts in the movie, infusing soulful rhythm and blues with more traditional British music forms while the catchy tunes and vibrant performances easily stick with the audience. Davis Jr. displays his musical capabilities and charming stage presence, which solidify the film’s status as a musical comedy.

Peter Lawford, while not a spectacular singer, still holds his own during the musical sequences, with his suave charm and excellent comic timing playing a wonderful complement to Davis Jr.'s more animated performance. Moreover, the interactions between brothers Charles and Christopher make for some genuinely humorous moments.

The film’s aesthetic, from the flamboyant wardrobe selections to the vivid hues that adorn each scene, present the swinging 60s vibe quite well. The cinematography, from the aerial views of London to the intricate detailing of the Victorian mansion, adds to the overall atmosphere, painting a vivid and almost dreamlike scenery of London.

While One More Time tends to meander through its plot rather than sticking to a traditional linear narrative, it has a sort of surreal charm. The movie plays with the outlandishness of British and American pop culture symbolisms and energetically moves from one comedic setup to another, focused more on the journey and less on the destination.

Jerry Lewis directs the film in his legendary idiosyncratic style. Some elements of slapstick, absurd humour, and an almost cartoon-like depiction of the characters are signature traits of his directorial approach.

To sum it up, One More Time can be best described as an unconventional, surreal comedy interspersed with delightful musical performances. The on-screen chemistry of Davis Jr. and Lawford, combined with their distinct performances, infuses life into this unusual narrative. One More Time is certainly a treat for fans of this solidly entertaining duo and for those looking for an amusing standalone watch that doesn’t follow the standard comedy template.