The untold story of Jerry Lewis’ lost film
A mystery that haunted Hollywood
For over fifty years, the enigma of Jerry Lewis’ controversial dark comedy, “The Day the Clown Cried”, has intrigued Hollywood. Filmed in Sweden in 1972, the movie narrates the harrowing tale of a clown who is taken to a concentration camp and forced to lead children to the gas chambers. Due to controversies both on and off the set, the film was never released, and only a select few have ever seen fragments of it. That is, until now.
A documentary sheds light on the mystery
Eric Friedler and Michael Lurie’s documentary, “From Darkness to Light”, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, offers audiences a glimpse into the 1972 film while chronicling its tumultuous creation and subsequent downfall. “Everyone interested in film has heard about this story. It was always fascinating to us. I grew up with Jerry Lewis and thought it was worthwhile to find out more about the story,” Friedler shared.
Lurie added, “I heard about this interview Eric had conducted with Jerry Lewis and decided I wanted to work together on the documentary. It’s a fascinating interview, the backbone of the doc, and without it, we wouldn’t have as rich a story to tell.” The interview, filmed with Lewis in 2017 shortly before his death, reveals a rare vulnerability as Lewis discusses the heartbreak of not being able to complete and release the film. Other interviewees include the film’s original cast and crew, as well as longtime Lewis friend and admirer, Martin Scorsese.
The making of a myth
Producer Thore Vollert expressed his fascination with Lewis’ openness during the interview. “Jerry Lewis wasn’t especially known for being nice to journalists, and he could be quite strict in what he answered and what he didn’t.” When asked how they managed to get Lewis to open up about one of the lowest points in his career, Friedler said they just “took a chance.” “It was a lot of luck that he gave us so much trust. I had the feeling during the interview, and especially afterward, that it was like a testimony. Maybe, for him, it was the right place at the right time with the right people together. I didn’t expect him to answer so openly and forwardly.”
Archival footage and industry myths
“From Darkness to Light” not only includes footage from the original film and interviews but also utilizes archival footage from 70s talk shows and snippets from Netflix’s “The Last Laugh” to tell the story of how “The Day the Clown Cried” became an industry myth. Speaking about the challenges of juggling rights and licensing, Vollert described the project as an “extensive jigsaw.” “We never had the intention to release the unfinished film because what we obtained were rushes, dailies, and disjointed sequences. There were people walking in the background, cars on the highway that belonged to the 70s… We stumbled upon a Pandora’s Box.”
A story of artistic redemption
Despite being in the making for almost a decade, the intention was always to release the documentary to coincide with “The Day the Clown Cried” becoming available to view at the Library of Congress, one of the last stipulations left by Lewis. The film will be made available in 2025. Until then, audiences can become acquainted with the story via the documentary, described by Vollert as “a story about artistic redemption and the courage to shelve something very dear to your heart if it doesn’t live up to your ambitions.”
For those who have long been captivated by the legend of “The Day the Clown Cried”, “From Darkness to Light” offers a rare and intimate look into one of Hollywood’s most elusive stories. The documentary not only provides a deeper understanding of Jerry Lewis’ vision but also serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with artistic creation.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit From Darkness to Light.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, the story of “The Day the Clown Cried” resonates deeply. It’s a stark reminder of the fine line between artistic ambition and the harsh realities of production. Jerry Lewis, known for his comedic genius, ventured into a dark and uncharted territory with this film. The documentary “From Darkness to Light” not only uncovers the layers of this lost film but also highlights the emotional and psychological toll it took on Lewis. It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the intricate dance between creativity and reality in the world of filmmaking.
For TV series aficionados
The documentary’s use of archival footage and interviews is reminiscent of the storytelling techniques seen in some of the best TV series. It weaves together past and present, creating a narrative that is both informative and emotionally engaging. If you’re a fan of series that delve into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the entertainment industry, “From Darkness to Light” will undoubtedly captivate you.
Music lovers’ perspective
While the documentary primarily focuses on film, the themes of artistic struggle and redemption are universal and can be appreciated by music lovers as well. The emotional depth and vulnerability displayed by Jerry Lewis in his interview are akin to the raw honesty found in some of the most powerful music. It’s a reminder that whether it’s film, TV, or music, the journey of creation is often fraught with challenges, but it’s these very challenges that make the final product all the more meaningful.
For more insights and to explore the trailer, visit From Darkness to Light.