Classic Cartoons: WILL THE REAL JERRY LEWIS PLEASE SIT DOWN

What do you do with an comedian that creates live characters that are cartoon-like? You make them a cartoon. In the fall of 1970, ABC premiered a new cartoon series based on the great characters of Jerry Lewis. From a Nutty Professor to One Ton Son, each episode was filled with slapstick jokes and goofy situation.

The title of the series is based on the game show TO TELL THE TRUTH, when at the end of each game, the announcer would say "Will the real ______ please stand up." The turn the phrase around and on its head, just like some of the classic Lewis characters.

The series premiered on September 12, 1970. All 18 episodes of the series aired during the season. A so-called "second season" also ran, but it was only repeats of the original 18 episodes. This was a Filmation production and this was one of the first Filmation series to feature the rotating Lou Scheimer/Norm Prescott "wheel" credit.

Like most cartoon series based on real people, Jerry Lewis didn't actually supply any f the vocals.  Performing as lewis was David Lander. He is better know as Squiggy, from the ABC sitcom LAVERNE & SHIRLEY. Lewis did contribute to some of the scripts of the series. But, for the most part, Lewis was lending his brand and identity to the show.

BROADCAST HISTORY:

Season 1: ABC - 10 a.m. (1970-71)
Season 2: ABC - 8 a.m. (1971-72)

About WILL THE REAL JERRY LEWIS....

In the series Jerry worked for the Odd Job Employment Agency. His boss was Mr. Blunderbuss, and he would assign Jerry a new job each week. The episode would be Jerry attempting to perform the duties of the job, but making a complete mess of the situation.

Some of the Lewis characters featured  were Hong Kong Flewis and his rotund son, One Ton Son, Professor Lewis, and his sister Geraldine, Mr. Blunderbuss, Ralph Rotten Lewis, and Uncle Seadog. Most of the characters do portray ethnic stereotypes, particularly with the Asian characters.

VOCAL CAST:

Howard Morris ............... Mr. Blunderbuss, Ralph Rotten Lewis, Professor Lewis and many others.
Jane Webb ...................... Gerldine Lewis
David Lander .................. Jerry Lewis