Visit to a Small Planet

Visit to a Small Planet is a 1960 comic space-age film starring Jerry Lewis. This combination of science-fiction and a comedy genre has made it a classic comedy choice among audiences, even decades after its release. It's an on-screen adaptation of a play of the same name by Gore Vidal. Directed by Norman Taurog, the film also features Joan Blackman, Earl Holliman, and Fred Clark, supporting Lewis in unforgettable roles.

The storyline is centered on Kreton, an uncannily human-like alien played by Jerry Lewis. Embarking on a solo expedition to Earth out of sheer curiosity about the society and lifestyle of Earthlings, Kreton lands with his personal UFO in Virginia, USA, an arrival that immediately turns the lives of the locals upside down and forces them to address their existing norms.

Kreton's arrival is witnessed by television reporter Roger Spelding, played by Fred Clark, who takes it upon himself to expose this uncanny event to the world. Meanwhile, the alien takes shelter with a suburban Virginia family consisting of Reba Spelding, played by Joan Blackman, her kin, and their whimsical but sensible butler Conrad, portrayed by Earl Holliman. Despite his extraterrestrial origins, Kreton blends with the human family to examine and sometimes mimic their daily living.

Kreton is particularly fascinated by human wars and politics. However, his limited understanding of human nature paves the way for numerous comic mishaps, as his powers, such as turning off gravity and freezing people mid-action, lead to tumultuous encounters with the locals. As comedic as his experiences might be, they simultaneously present Kreton's observations about human behavior, making loaded comments on the society of the time, through the ingenious script.

Jerry Lewis' comedic timing and physical comedy skills are on full display as Kreton. Lewis' wide-eyed innocuousness coupled with his ability to take on slapstick comedy moments makes Kreton an unforgettable character. The extraterrestrial, with his naivety about human customs and life, helps Lewis showcase his comic range and versatility.

Joan Blackman, as the grounded Reba Spelding, brings out the humanity with her warm portrayal. Her interactions with Kreton are amusing and at times, surreal, showing the audience a whirlwind of emotions from shock and fear to acceptance and affection. On the other hand, the on-point comic delivery of Earl Holliman as Conrad, the butler, provides an outstanding comic relief, further elevating the comedic texture of the movie.

The film, in its entirety, showcases an extravagant play of science fiction imagery, from Kreton's personal UFO to the exceptional visual effects that beautifully capture Kreton's superpowers, giving audiences a delightful peek into an early take on cinematic science fiction blended with comedy.

The movie has notably sharp, quick-witted dialogues that provide not only entertainment but also thought-provoking commentary on the socio-political atmosphere of the 1960s America. The intelligent humor derived from the unique situation of Kreton's interaction with humans allows for a lot of amusingly awkward moments that often border on the absurd.

Even beyond the comedy and science fiction, "Visit to a Small Planet" explores a range of themes - xenophobia, fear of the unknown, and the conflicts arising due to an outsider's view on society. This is cleverly balanced with comic relief, ensuring that the movie is a blend of entertainment and introspection.

In conclusion, "Visit to a Small Planet" leaves its audiences with a memorable journey into the absurd, driven by extraterrestrial curiosity, with just the right dash of social commentary. It gives an ideal platform for its star cast to provide an excellent display of comedy, engaging audiences while subtly inviting them to question their apprehensions and paranoia about the unknown. This film is an exemplary piece of 1960s Hollywood, encompassing the era's distinct humor and intrigue towards the final frontier - Space. It's a must-watch for any classic cinema lover or a fan of Jerry Lewis's work.