The Nutty Professor
A timid, nearsighted chemistry teacher discovers a magical potion that can transform him into a suave and handsome Romeo. The Jekyll and Hyde game works well enough until the concoction starts to wear off at the most embarrassing times.
Critics Sentiment
Buddy transforms back to Kelp during his performance at the dance
Buddy Love displays narcissistic and sociopathic behavior around campus
The film's largest sentiment shift occurs when Buddy Love's obnoxious behavior reaches its lowest point, followed by the acclaimed climactic transformation scene at the dance that reviewers consistently praised.
Critics appreciated Jerry Lewis's dual role performance and the film's physical comedy, particularly praising the gym sequence and climactic dance transformation. However, many found Buddy Love's character genuinely unpleasant and questioned the film's romantic elements, with some noting the humor hasn't aged well. The film succeeds most in its heartfelt message about self-acceptance, though some critics found this moral heavy-handed.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 21
Jerry Lewis
Professor Julius F. Kelp / Buddy Love / Baby Kelp
Stella Stevens
Stella Purdy
Del Moore
Dr. Hamius R. Warfield
Henry Gibson
Gibson, College Student
Kathleen Freeman
Millie Lemmon
Richard Kiel
Man in Gym (uncredited)
Norman Alden
Football Player
Howard Morris
Mr. Elmer Kelp
Elvia Allman
Edwina Kelp
Milton Frome
Dr. M. Sheppard Leevee
Doodles Weaver
Rube
Murray Alper
Gym Attendant (uncredited)
Buddy Lester
Bartender
Med Flory
Football Player
Seymour Cassel
Bored Man
Stephanie Hill
Waitress (uncredited)
Marvin Kaplan
English Student
Skip Ward
Football Player
Billy Bletcher
Plumber (uncredited)
Robert Donner
College Student (uncredited)
Crew
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