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Why Jerry Lewis Went to Great Lengths to Conceal “The Day the Clown Cried”
One of the most intriguing mysteries in the world of cinema is the story behind Jerry Lewis’ film “The Day the Clown Cried.” This controversial and unseen movie has been shrouded in secrecy for decades, with Lewis himself going to great lengths to ensure it remained hidden from public view, even after his death.
“The Day the Clown Cried” tells the story of a clown in a Nazi concentration camp who entertains children on their way to the gas chambers. The film was completed in 1972 but was never released due to legal and personal reasons. Lewis was reportedly deeply unhappy with the film and felt it was a failure on multiple levels.
Despite the film’s troubled history, there has been a persistent fascination with “The Day the Clown Cried” among film scholars and fans. Many have speculated about the content of the movie and its potential impact if it were ever released.
After Lewis’ death in 2017, questions arose about the fate of “The Day the Clown Cried.” Some hoped that with his passing, the film might finally see the light of day, while others believed that Lewis had taken measures to ensure it would never be shown.
Ultimately, the reasons behind Jerry Lewis’ decision to conceal “The Day the Clown Cried” remain a mystery. Some believe that he was ashamed of the film and did not want it to tarnish his legacy, while others suggest that he simply felt it was not a worthy addition to his body of work.
Whatever the truth may be, “The Day the Clown Cried” continues to be a fascinating and enigmatic footnote in the history of cinema, a reminder of the power and complexity of artistic expression.