Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River

Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River is a 1968 comedy film starring Jerry Lewis, Terry-Thomas, and Jacqueline Pearce. The movie was directed by Jerry Paris and written by Max Wilk and Sam Bobrick.

The story follows George Lester (Jerry Lewis), a charming and ambitious American entrepreneur who is determined to make a fortune in England. He comes up with a great idea to build a giant shopping center in rural England, but he needs the land owned by Sir Charles (Terry-Thomas) to make it happen.

Sir Charles is a typical British aristocrat who is not willing to sell his land to the brash American, so George must come up with a plan to make him change his mind. Along the way, George falls in love with Sir Charles' beautiful daughter Pamela (Jacqueline Pearce), and he must also deal with a variety of obstacles, including a ruthless competitor, a crazy hotel owner, and an angry mob of protestors.

The movie is a classic fish-out-of-water story, as George struggles to adapt to life in England. He finds himself constantly baffled by the customs and manners of the British upper class, and his enthusiasm and energetic personality are often at odds with their reserved and refined ways.

Despite this, George is a lovable and determined character who is always willing to go the extra mile to achieve his goals. He is a master of improvisation and has a knack for turning a setback into an opportunity.

Terry-Thomas delivers a masterful performance as Sir Charles, the quintessential British aristocrat. He is snooty, pompous, and thoroughly unimpressed by George's brashness. However, he is also a charming and amusing character, and he has a soft spot for his daughter, who he finally realizes should marry for love rather than social status.

Jacqueline Pearce is also excellent as Pamela, the object of George's affections. She is a beautiful and intelligent woman who is torn between her duty to her father and her growing feelings for George. She delivers a nuanced and believable performance, and her chemistry with Lewis is delightful to watch.

The movie is also notable for its excellent supporting cast, which includes Bernard Cribbins as George's bumbling sidekick, Patricia Routledge as a batty hotel owner, and Isla Blair as Sir Charles' snobbish niece.

The film is a visual treat, with beautiful locations in the English countryside and some memorable set pieces, including a hilarious sequence involving a runaway bathtub. The score by John Scott is also noteworthy, with a catchy theme song that perfectly captures the film's playful spirit.

Overall, Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River is a charming and entertaining comedy that is sure to delight fans of Jerry Lewis and classic British humor. Its message of the importance of respecting other cultures and adapting to new situations is still relevant today, and its wit and whimsy make it a timeless classic.