Way...Way Out

Way...Way Out, directed by Gordon Douglas and produced by 20th Century Fox, is a comedy classic film released in 1966. The leading cast includes household names such as Jerry Lewis, Connie Stevens and Robert Morley, bringing their unique comedic talents and charms to the screen. The film is a hilarious and whimsical take on the cold-war era space race between the United States and Russia.

The film is set in a satiric version of the future, where the USA and the Soviet Union have progressed their rivalry from a space race to a 'co-habitational' race of sorts. Both superpowers are in a mad rush to claim the moon as a strategic outpost for themselves, with a focus on demonstrating their capacity to sustain life on the moon.

Despite his lack of bravery and his tendency for comedic mishaps, Jerry Lewis plays Peter Mattemore, a dedicated astronaut, whilst Connie Stevens takes on a role that is as pioneering as her co-star, Eileen Forbes, a similarly dedicated astronaut. The storyline involves both Peter and Eileen, who work for NASA, as they are selected to be the first married couple on the moon - an attempt by the USA to prove to the Soviets that they can not only populate the moon but also sustain a married life there.

Director Gordon Douglas uses this premise cleverly as the bedrock of an ongoing series of farcical situations that Peter and Eileen encounter in the lunar base. The comedic genius of Jerry Lewis shines brightly, as his character stumbles, bumbles, and fumbles his way through the complications of space travel, and together with Connie Stevens, the duo deliver a memorable comic performance. They flirt, bicker, and engage in all sorts of domestic squabbles but end up affirming their love for each other in a hilarious and heartwarming way.

Robert Morley adds more humor into the mix by playing Harold Quonset, the self-absorbed, pompous Pentagon General, in charge of overseeing the mission and willing to do whatever is necessary to score a public relations victory for the United States. His comedic timing and his overall performance add a unique sparkle to the film, elevating the storytelling, and creating a endearing contrast with Jerry Lewis’s clumsy astronaut character.

The movie also contrasts the day-to-day realities of life on Earth from that on a desolate lunar space station, and throughout the film, Douglas and his leading comedic duo draw upon all the absurdity and hilarity that this contrast offers. Way...Way Out is a lighthearted and fun critique of the phenomenon that was the space race.

‘Way... Way Out’s’ setting and storyline offer plenty of opportunities for visual gags, slapstick, and other forms of physical comedy, each aspect harmoniously balanced and smoothly presented in a way that captures the audience's attention. But what truly sets this film apart is its refusal to take itself too seriously, and in doing so, it appeals to audiences of all ages.

The film's representation of a futuristic world is also note-worthy. Even though the film was set in a somewhat distant future, the depiction of life on the moon and technical aspects related to space travel makes for appealing visuals and a fascinating set design. The production designers and art directors have created a future which is exuberantly kitschy, filled with strange technologies, and humorous in and of themselves.

Soundtrack designed by Lalo Schifrin, including a perfectly upbeat title song by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, enhances the overall comedic feel of the movie. The film's cinematography and visual narration is complemented well by this soundtrack, creating moments of memorable comic sequences throughout the film.

With its whimsical humor and wit, Way...Way Out provides a humorous and entertaining take on the space race that is sure to keep audiences laughing and engrossed. The film manages to stay fresh and amusing with its non-stop gags and plot twists. Way...Way Out is a time capsule of the 1960s culture, a nostalgic nod to the era of space exploration and a delightful treat for vintage comedy fans. Be it the expert comic timing of the actors, the quirkiness of its plot, or the overall hilarious execution, Way...Way Out strikes a perfect balance of comedy and light-hearted adventure, keeping its audience enthralled throughout.