The Family Jewels is an American film released in 1965. It was directed by Jerry Lewis, who also acts for seven in the role of The Heroine's six uncles and her chauffeur. The other lead is Donna Butterworth.
The plot goes like this:
Donna Peyton's industrialist father has kicked the bucket, leaving her with a hefty inheritance of $30 million. Because little 10-year-old girls need a parental figure, Donna's father has stated in his will that she must choose a new dad amongst her six uncles: James (veteran and ferryboat captain), Everett (circus clown and child-hater), Julius (professional risqué photographer), Edward (pilot and eccentric airline owner), Sylock (Holmes-like detective), and Bugsy (greedy gangster)
Donna spends two weeks uncle-surfing, getting to know their personal quirks, determining their dad potential, and overall experiencing all sorts of wacky hijinks under the care of these very inexperienced (in child-rearing) men.
This only cements her idea that the ideal father figure is actually Willard Woodward, the Peytons' chauffeur. He's the one who has driven her to each of her uncle's places but, most importantly, the only one who treats her with genuine affection and looks after her responsibly.
Several of the film's characters appear as cartoons in Will the Real Jerry Lewis Please Sit Down. Not to be confused with Marina Diamandis' album The Family Jewels.
Tropes:
- Baby Be Mine: Bugsy Peyton is a gangster who is only after Donna due to her substantial inheritance. One would think his approach would be to be a Bitch in Sheep's Clothing. Nope, he goes and kidnaps his niece to make it seem that she's chosen him as her replacement parental figure and therefore get his hands on those sweet $30 million.
- Child Hater: Everett Peyton is a circus clown who, off the clock, has only contempt for the "squealing brats" he entertains. Any questions about why he's definitely not Donna's pick as replacement father?
- Identical Stranger: Donna's chauffeur is identical to her six uncles for reasons unknown. This becomes a Plot Point when Willard impersonates Everett Peyton, one of Donna's uncles, so he can become her new father. Not even Everett's brothers realize something's up.
- Sherlock Homage: If it wasn't obvious from his first name, Sheylock Peyton does his best to emulate Sherlock Holmes. He's moved to England, loves tea, and has Dr. Matson as his partner.
- Uncanny Family Resemblance: All six of Donna's uncles are identical to each other, the only thing that changes is their attires. The reason is that they are all played by the same actor.
