In the early ‘70s, renowned comedian and filmmaker Jerry Lewis did a daring project titled The Day the Clown Cried, which he wrote, directed, and starred in. The film saw a circus clown who finds himself in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. He is compelled to entertain children and lead them to the gas chambers.

Though it was completed, the film never premiered due to production challenges and legal issues. It has since become one of the most infamous unreleased movies in cinema history. Only pieces of footage have surfaced, and years later, Lewis’ son, Chris, is determined to track down the missing ones and release the controversial work.

The quest for Jerry Lewis’ Holocaust film

For the past 30 years, Chris has been trying to piece together the fragmented footage of The Day The Clown Cried and share this elusive project with the world. He has gathered various production materials, including shooting scripts, as he continues his search for footage that may have been distributed across countries.

The challenging history of the film, compounded by the battle in the courts and the passage of time, has made the search become more exhausting. Thankfully, Chris remains optimistic, and enthusiastic fans wish him success. “Oh wow! …definitely curious to watch,” an X user wrote.

The legacy of Jerry Lewis’ Holocaust film

The Day The Clown Cried was a bold departure from Jerry Lewis’ typical comedic roles. This attempt to blend humor with the harrowing realities of the Holocaust was met with much criticism. Some described it as a misguided effort due to the sensitive historical subject. Despite its flaws, the film has garnered a curious audience.

The documentary From Darkness to Light explored the making of The Day the Clown Cried, and featured interviews with Mel Brooks and Martin Scorsese. With a potential release on the horizon, Chris’ ongoing quest not only honors his father’s project but also calls for a look at the boundaries of expression in the face of historical atrocities.