Why is Jerry Lewis so popular in France?
Once again, the Straight Dope examines another inexplicable phenomenon — the unaccountable popularity of Jerry Lewis in France. During the 1950s, French critics began writing favorable reviews of Lewis’ work, but his star really rose in 1965. That year, the French voted “The Nutty Professor” film of the year, Lewis paid a visit to France where he was mobbed by adoring fans, and the country held a three-week festival in his honor. As for why he initially gained popularity with the French, we can only speculate. U.S. critic Gerard Mast wrote that Lewis’ brash, overzealous act was a spot-on take of American excess, and therefore appealed to the Gallic sense of humor. In her book “Why the French love Jerry Lewis,” Rae Beth Gordon says Lewis’ physical humor was much like a Frenc
