Trois sur un sofa

Inane, but not as much so as you expect from Lewis. Jerry even plays a reasonably intelligent and talented character in this one. Absolutely hilarious in many spots, even when gags are being milked. You miss stuff you can't see through the tears! A wonderful movie -- perhaps Jerry's very best!

One of my first exposures to Jerry Lewis as a child was the 1966 comedy THREE ON A COUCH in which Jerry played a nebbish engaged to marry a beautiful psychiatrist (Janet Leigh) who feels spends entirely too much time obsessing over three of her female patients (Leslie Parrish, Mary Ann Mobley, Gia Golan) who all have serious hang-ups regarding men and dating. In order to free up his fiancée so she'll have more time for him, Chris, Jerry's character, pretends to be three different guys and initiates a romance with all three women so that they'll gain some self-esteem where men are concerned and his fiancée will have more time to plan their wedding. I remember, even as a child, thinking to myself, "Does he really think he can get away with this?" but I guess Jerry thought like I did, he'd have no career. The three imaginary suitors border on cartoon characters and the lovely Leigh is wasted in thankless role, but there are scattered laughs throughout and Jerry has made worst movies, but it's better than a route canal.

This is not one of Jerry's best films. It's pretty self indulgent, scenes drag out, some of the humor feels forced and over the top, and the whole concept really doesn't make much sense. It's best at the very beginning, and the final 20 minutes at the party and at the pier are hysterical and it's a great set piece to end the film on. If you love Lewis's work (like I do), stick with it and you'll dig the ending. Another plus, supporting cast is great.

Jerry's portrayal of Rutherford and sister Heather is one of his best. I'm giggling now as I remember the scenes. The movie is truly a delight to watch; I discovered it during the late 70's. Despite bad press from some and in my opinion, Jerry Lewis is one of the kings of comedy. In fact, Jerry is my second favorite comedian next to Richard Pryor.

I just finished watching this movie, it was the first Jerry Lewis film I've seen, and I'm already a fan of this comic genius. Three On A Couch is full of gags from start to finish, constantly keeping the audience laughing with Jerry Lewis' character's attempts to make three women think he's three separate people. Jerry Lewis shows his talent as a comedic actor as he plays all those characters perfectly, but also awkwardly as though he's nervous that he might get found out. And yet the awkwardness is so subtle that it's believable that the ladies don't think something's up. He's also very deadpan in this movie, and at the same time high energy in his gags, much like Charlie Chaplin. So, bravo Jerry Lewis, you put on one heck of a performance.

Although I will admit that some of the jokes didn't work. Some of them went on just a tad too long. Although they don't hurt the movie much. Also one thing I thought the movie should've done was make the three women more developed characters instead of just one-dimensional straight-men. Only one of them showed a personality (the athletic one), the others just seemed to have personalities described but not shown.

Judging by the low score and the fact that it was featured in a book called Fifty Worst Movies (or something like that), I'm guessing this is one of Jerry Lewis' lesser movies. I haven't seen any of his other films so I can't say if Jerry Lewis fans will enjoy this, but I'd definitely recommend it to people who want to watch a really funny movie.