Family Jewels, The (1965)

Nine-year-old Donna Peyton (Donna Butterworth) is orphaned when her father dies and leaves her with a $30 million fortune.

Her late father’s attorney explains that she must go and live with each of her six uncles (all played by Jerry Lewis) for two weeks apiece and decide which of them will become her new adoptive “father.” But the selection process isn’t easy and most of the uncles just have their eyes on her inheritance.

The first stop is Uncle James, a ferryboat captain. Next Donna moves on to uncle Everett (Lewis in clown makeup) a nasty child-hating chap.

Next is photographer Julius, then Captain Eddie – a pilot with an ancient aeroplane awaiting passengers. A group of senior ladies book his plane for a flight to Chicago with hilarious results.

Then it’s on to Skylock, a Sherlock Holmes clone complete with assistant Dr Matson (Sebastian Cabot).

The last brother “Bugs” (Lewis with rotten teeth and painted on whiskers) is a gangster who kidnaps young Donna to hold her for ransom. Willard calls on Skylock and Captain Eddie to help find her. Meanwhile, Donna manages to escape herself. Lewis also plays Willard, the chauffeur-cum-bodyguard who takes care of Donna and shuttles her between six brothers.

Willard Woodward/Everett Peyton/James Peyton /Julius Peyton/Capt. Eddie Peyton/Skylock Peyton/Bugs Peyton
Jerry Lewis
Attorney
Neil Hamilton
Dr Matson
Sebastian Cabot
Donna Peyton
Donna Butterworth
Clown
Gene Baylos
Pilot
Milton Frome
Joe
Herbie Faye

Director
Jerry Lewis