User Reviews

The amazing talent of Sammy Davis Jr is very evident with his dancing and singing, but when he does his impression of Michael Jackson, you are then positive of his versatility. Combined with the wonderful and talented Jerry Lewis, whose comedic genius is timeless, the duo put on a terrific show. Great entertainers, both. Sammy Davis, Jr. began performing from the age of two, with his father and uncle, billed as the Will Mastin Trio and because the laws pertaining to the age at which a child could perform would have prevented Sammy from being on stage, they said that Sammy was a 42 year old midget. Jerry Lewis began performing at about age 5, gaining great fame in later years as one half of a duo with Dean Martin that lasted for many years.

Davis and Lewis take turns doing parts of their solo acts and do a few bits together. This kind of show biz seems to be disappearing quickly and we are lucky to have this taped account of what American entertainment was like during most of the 20th Century. Along with Bobby Darin, Davis was the most versatile night club performer in American history. His skill as a jazz-inspired singer would be enough to make him a legend. When you add his dancing, instrumental, and comedy skills, you have an entertainer who cannot be beat. Sammy's only downfall was his constant attempt to remain "with the times" and his attempt at Michael Jackson material is embarrassing.

Lewis is always at his best in front of an audience. He performs an abbreviated version a show similar to "Jerry Lewis Live". His pantomime is first rate as always. When working with Sammy, he steals a gag first used by his ex-partner Dean Martin. I may be in the minority, but I enjoy Jerry's singing. He may not have the greatest sounding voice, but he knows how to put across a song.

The problem of Davis and Lewis together is that they are too similar. They both are jacks of all trades (though Lewis is a master of pantomime and Davis is a master of singing). They are both zany and over the top. Davis had to take Dean Martin's role as the less zany in this show. They don't look good together. But this is minor griping. We must thank HBO for making this record of these two legendary performers available.

An Evening with Sammy Davis, Jr. & Jerry Lewis (1988)

*** (out of 4)

Sammy Davis, Jr. and Jerry Lewis did a number of gigs and this one was recorded in Las Vegas. The two legends come out on stage together and do a couple routines when Lewis leaves the stage. This here leaves Davis to do his act and then Lewis returns. After the various jokes the two are back at there doing what they do best.

If you're a fan of either gentlemen then you'll certainly enjoy this as both are in good form and that's especially true for Davis. The legendary performers jokes about how long he has been performing and it's clear that he hasn't lost a step as he sings, dances and jokes around the stage doing his best remembered songs as well as talking about and performing Michael Jackson.

It's clear that the two are very comfortable together and this leads to some fun as Lewis pretty much does short jokes, glass eye jokes and various others at the expense of Davis. Of course, in today's terms some will probably be offended by the jokes but they're still quite funny. As far as the Lewis' act goes, he too is in good form but there's no doubt that the evening belongs to Davis.