Visit to a Small Planet

Synopsis

Visit to a Small Planet is a 1960 sci-fi comedy starring Jerry Lewis as Kreton, a mischievous alien who comes to Earth to study human behavior. Arriving in a small American town, Kreton soon finds himself baffled and amused by the peculiarities and contradictions of human life. As he interacts with locals, his antics and experiments lead to a series of comedic situations that highlight human nature and social norms from an outsider’s perspective. The film blends slapstick humor with subtle social commentary, showcasing Lewis’s energetic performance and comedic timing in a story that explores curiosity, culture clash, and the quirks of humanity.

Cast

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  Jerry Lewis

  Kreton

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  Joan Blackman

  Ellen Spelding

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  Earl Holliman

  Conrad

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  Fred Clark

  Major Roger Putnam Spelding

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  John Williams

  Delton

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  Jerome Cowan

  George Abercrombie

Reviews

Critically, Visit to a Small Planet received mixed reactions. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 5.9/10, reflecting a range of audience opinions. Many viewers appreciated Jerry Lewis’s trademark comedic style, noting his physical comedy and expressive performance as the movie’s primary strengths. However, some critics felt the film’s humor was uneven, with the pacing occasionally lagging. The sci-fi elements were seen as a novel backdrop but not deeply explored, leaving the film more a comedy than a thoughtful sci-fi satire. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregate score due to the film's age, but historical reviews from the era suggest it was viewed as a light, family-friendly film rather than a serious cinematic work. Some praised its underlying social satire, while others found it dated or simplistic. Overall, the film is enjoyed best by fans of Jerry Lewis's brand of comedy and those looking for a quirky black-and-white classic with a gentle message.