The Nutty Professor
Seen it?1963 | 107 min | Comedy, Science Fiction
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and sci-fi fans. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 47 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1963: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A timid, nearsighted chemistry teacher discovers a magical potion that can transform him into a suave and handsome Romeo. The Jekyll and Hyde game works well enough until the concoction starts to wear off at the most embarrassing times.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
82% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.5 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 117K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Jerry Lewis
- Jerry LewisProfessor Julius F. Kelp / Buddy Love / Baby Kelp
- Stella StevensStella Purdy
- Del MooreDr. Hamius R. Warfield
- Henry GibsonGibson, College Student
- Kathleen FreemanMillie Lemmon
- Richard KielMan in Gym (uncredited)
- Norman AldenFootball Player
- Howard MorrisMr. Elmer Kelp
- Elvia AllmanEdwina Kelp
- Milton FromeDr. M. Sheppard Leevee