Who's Minding the Store?

Who's Minding the Store? is a delightful American comedy film that was released in 1963. It brings together the inimitable talents of comedic titan Jerry Lewis, charmer Jill St. John, and accomplished actor Ray Walston. The movie, directed by Frank Tashlin, offers a hilarious blend of physical comedy, romance, and satire that lampoons the extravagance of big businesses and the class divides in society.

The story primarily revolves around the regular life of Lester March (played by Jerry Lewis), a simple, unsophisticated guy who lives a humble life. Lester, nonetheless, possesses an innate charm and innocence that makes him a lovable character. He is an aspiring inventor, always immersed in his unique creations that often result in unexpected and funny consequences. Easy-going and a little naive, Lester's first priority is helping his mother and keeping up her spirits even in their meager existence.

However, Lester's ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when he encounters the beautiful and rich Barbara Tuttle (played by Jill St. John). Barbara is the sophisticated daughter of the wealthy Mrs. Phoebe Tuttle (Agnes Moorehead), the head of the multi-million dollar Tuttle Department Store empire. Yet, despite her privileged background, Barbara yearns for a normal life and to engage in regular activities like any young woman her age.

Barbara's mother, on the other hand, is determined to marry her daughter into wealth, with her top choice being the devious and pretentious, Mr. Raymond Phiffier (played by Ray Walston). However, following the norms of classic Hollywood comedies, Barbara meets and falls for the unsuspecting Lester during his days of testing one of his inventions.

Unaware of Lester's modest background, Barbara introduces him to her mother who, in an attempt to marry Barbara off to the wealthy Raymond, employs Lester in her department store. In her eyes, exposing Lester to the realities of hard work would make Barbara realize that Raymond is a more suitable match. What follows is an endless spiral of comic situations as the hapless Lester tackles the challenges of working in a large, chaotic department store.

The chemistry between Lewis and St. John is evident throughout the film, paving the way for some moments of tenderness amid the slapstick comedy. Lewis's comedic style is on full display in this film. As Lester, he's a mix of childlike innocence, physical comedy, and unexpected heroism that completely wins the audience over. His wide-eyed naivety is sharply contrasted by the worldliness and sophistication of the Tuttles, providing plenty of laughs along the way.

Simultaneously, the film's script wittily critiques the differences between socioeconomic classes and highlights the consumer culture of high-end stores. It contemplates the importance of happiness over wealth, effectively portraying the frivolousness of those who have plenty yet appreciate little.

Who's Minding the Store? makes use of a series of imaginative and hilarious set pieces, each designed to showcase Lewis’s physicality and comedic timing. One particularly memorable scene involves a fantastical typing sequence that has Lester bouncing around like a human rubber ball gone awry.

Tashlin's eye for color, staging, and comedic timing ensures that the film is not only visually appealing but deftly funny. His guiding hand helps to present Jerry Lewis at his best, bringing in the familiar elements of the star's comedy and mixing them with a sense of maturity and depth.

The supporting cast is equally commendable. St. John perfectly captures the confusion of a young woman torn between her heart and her mother's stubborn aspirations. As Phoebe Tuttle, Moorehead delivers a pitch-perfect portrayal of a high society matron with greater regard for wealth and status than for her daughter's happiness. Walston, as the self-focused Raymond, provides the perfect foil for Lewis’s Lester.

Who's Minding the Store? stands as an exceptional display of Jerry Lewis's comic genius as well as a pointed satire on the rampant consumerism and class snobbery of its era. Its dreamlike quality, combined with the classic slapstick humor and the timeless appeal of its stars, makes it an enduring comedic gem.