The Atlantic recently posted an interesting article about the famous scene from The Errand Boy (1961) where Jerry Lewis imitates an Executive in time to the music of Count Basie Orchestra’s “Blues in Hoss’s Flat.” I recall seeing the movie as a kid, and the wonderful Jerry Lewis scene has stayed with me ever since.
Apparently, many other remember the scene too, making it one of the most admired scenes from a panned movie. Seth MacFarlane negotiated with Lewis for permission to feature Peter Griffin on Family Guy recreating the scene. Another fan, Manoj Sharma, posted his tribute on Youtube, where he courageously recreates the scene in perfect time to Jerry Lewis in the background. Like Lewis’s original, this clip gives me a big smile. Check it out.
For more about the famous scene, make sure to check out The Atlantic article. The tune, “Blues in Hoss’s Flat,” was composed by Count Basie band member Frank Foster and is from Basie’s album whose title might have inspired Lewis, Chairman of the Board (1959).
What is your favorite Jerry Lewis movie? Leave your two cents in the comments.
The name of the music is NOT “Blues in Hoss’s Flat.” I wanted to purchase a copy and found out that this title is absolutely not what’s played in the film. You can easily listen to that particular piece which all over the internet, from iTunes to YouTube. If anyone knows what it actually is, please let me know.
Actually, the sources are correct that it is “Blues in Hoss’s Flat” performed by Count Basie. But the part that coincides with the Jerry Lewis scene is not at the beginning but starts at around the 2-minute mark of this Count Basie recording. Check out the video below at around the 2-minute mark, and you will see it lines up with the movie scene. Thanks for the comment.
It’s “Blues in Hoss Flat.” I played it in college and heard the great Basie band play it! I have it on an old double LP.