Jerry Lewis and Donna Butterworth on the set of The Family Jewels

Jerry Lewis interviews Donna Butterworth on the set of The Family Jewels, 1965

[@nightwing5177]

God Bless all of you for having wonderful things to say about this post. God Bless Jerry and Donna Butterworth.

[@donnamarie3930]

She's adorable! A shame we didn't see her in more films, such a true natural talent.

[@stellaorvad2519]

Lol Legend

[@stanleyianieri5747]

This was torture to watch. Jerry might be a genius but he was lousy with Donna. I didn't find this funny.

[@ZoeTheCat]

...and you are a 10 year old girl...is that correct? Yes. How old are you? Eight.

[@samlongoria5268]

Donna Butterworth passed away today at 62. May she rest in peace. Little Donna had possibly the best entry into Show Business, appearing on Big Screen with Jerry Lewis and also Elvis Presley. Photos don't do justice, Donna performs here 53 years ago, in a favorite (and rare) TV series.

[@steveprimeau1407]

Jerry was testing her patience to see if she'd keep smiling under pressure. It takes a special kind of kid to make it in Hollywood. Donna had it in spades.

[@neilsouza9076]

I grew up with Donna in Kailua, we went to Maunawili Elementary together, much love and Aloha, RIP!

[@dam4274]

Neil Souza Aww she’s gone too?

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

Graduated from Leilehua HS in Wahiawa Class of '70...cool that you knew her. She was a prize for sure. Sad to see she passed some time back. Aloha...

[@retrocomedyfan19]

I thought Donna did an extraordinary job in Family Jewels.. This is such a cute video :) she's probably thinking "this guy is more nuts than I thought" lol

[@dtnetlurker]

Jerry was a genius. He is testing her to see how she handles the stress of the set and how she can stick to and remember what is on the script. He needed a young actress that can act for long scenes and handle the pressure without crying or wanting to go home. Donna did amazingly in this test. I am sure Jerry was already 100% decided on using her only a couple minutes into the test, the rest of the time he was just trying to see how she handles an off the cuff conversation and add libs as Jerry always did in his films.

[@PerceptionsTalkRadio]

I can see how people think he's screwing with her, mentally, but he's actually testing her reactions, composure, response and poise... as well as staying in character and NOT getting easily flustered to go off script. He might be seeing what her ability to ad-lib is as she does comeback with a question and answer or two that seems to catch him off guard. A sense of humor is a sign of intelligence so, he must of seen that in this little girl as well. Good way to get a sense of her range and such and unlike other children her age, she has an older spirit like Jodie Foster or Natalie Portman or such at such a young age. Watch old clips of Alan Funt or Bill Cosby on those comedy shows with kids and there are some wise ones, but mostly, just average or below average ones who are just simply kids. I don't recall seeing anything she was in, but she reminds me a bit of that little girl in Oh God, part 2. probably because of the hair? Cute clip and if he did this to kids all of the time, I'd then say he was an ass.

[@javierserna1000]

She is an 8 year old girl, and Jerry is abusing her.. He was a man with Bi-Polar Mood disorder.. If I was the little girl's dad I would have slapped the shit our of Jerry. , You are an idiot to see it as you do.. Jerry was the dunce growing up, laughed at every day of his life.. Later in life he was able to use his disability to become successful..

[@1950sLaaady]

I love how people are taking this so seriously and saying what a jerk Jerry is for confusing her. He's just playing around. People bitch about everything. How can you not see that he's kidding with her? Wow.

[@kristeninthedirtysouth]

People literally have no sense of humor and take everything so dang seriously. Clearly he's having fun with her and messing around. I love it! So cute and I love him seeing him so chill and natural with this little girl.

[@Mysteria388]

Not only is he kidding around with her but he’s cleverly ‘prepping’ her for her part as well. He really was a genius director!

[@annare6169]

That was a cute piece of filming, even though "unofficial", a relaxing playful moment forJerry and the girl !

[@444Bam]

Jerry looking for facial expressions and character in her ...that helps the script more

[@paulaford3303]

I was born in 1957 so I had the pleasure of growing up during the Donna Butterworth years in movies. She was truly gifted and a natural as an actress in every way. She was adorable and had a wonderful way about her when she spoke that was darling. She is to me one of the greatest child actors of our era. She will never know how many smiles and joys to brought to so many, so I hope she reads this. How cute is this too, seeing her out of her screen character and just being herself. Totally awesome. Love to you Donna where ever you are. You have ooodles of fans still loving you.

[@paula3599]

COULD NOT CORRECT TYPO i POSTED ABOVE SO i RE POSTED NOW: I was born in 1957 so I had the pleasure of growing up during the Donna Butterworth years in movies. She was truly gifted and a natural as an actress in every way. She was adorable and had a wonderful way about her when she spoke that was darling and polite. She is to me one of the greatest child actors of our era. She will never know how many smiles and how much joy she brought to so many, so I hope she reads this. How cute is this too, seeing her out of her screen character and just being herself. Totally awesome. Love to you Donna where ever you are. You have ooodles of fans still loving you. UPDATE: Recently found out Donna passed away. So terribly sad. Totally heartbroken about her passing. She will be greatly missed forever. RIP sweet Donna

[@Janster59]

@@paula3599 God-that is sad RIP

[@jondunmore4268]

Jerry is not "messing with her" per se; he's acclimating her to being on camera naturally, and he's getting "reaction shots." The most natural reaction shots are when they're real, of course. This guy has been a performer since he was 7, and making movies since he was 22; he's also a writer and director - he knows how to get a person camera-ready, especially someone inexperienced like Donna. He's coming at her in a confusing manner because she needs to intrinsically grasp this is the ethos of the film, and be ready for it.

[@javierserna1000]

She is an 8 year old girl, and Jerry is abusing her.. He was a man with Bi-Polar Mood disorder.. If I was the little girl's dad I would have slapped the shit our of Jerry. Jon, you are an idiot to see it as you do.. Jerry was the dunce growing up, laughed at every day of his life.. Later in life he was able to use his disability to become successful..

[@jondunmore4268]

@@javierserna1000 -- Well, now we know who was abused as a child.

[@Sunlinkd1]

I did not like the toying w her mind , its obvious she was brilliant, and Im sure she wanted the part, but I wouldnt be suprised if she had some emotional things going on being tasked like that. She was a sharp lil 8 yr old.👍👌🏼😍😇💕😇🥰

[@roberts.3098]

Jerry is directing her. He is trying to get her acclimated to the environment so that she will be more comfortable when they film the scenes.

[@giri.goyo_yt]

Exactly. And it shows her stick-to-it-iveness as well as her talent.

[@rozi2089]

Wish I could have seen Jerry's face during this.

[@ckayakr]

.... sad to think a lot of our childhood memories are disappearing, at least we had the wonderful experience of living with them.

[@fabianpatrizio2865]

Love this movie :) under rated.....the eddie airways sequence is basically the best short film of all time in my opinion :)

[@Princess_Pixie]

lmao shes so serious and he's messing with her XD

[@charlietango5163]

What a precious child she was. Thank goodness for KZbin. I never knew much about her. I'm so glad that her gift will keep on giving.

[@caitlyncox7920]

I love how Jerry is purposely confusing her. It's hilarious

[@caroltaylor9853]

I'm watching the Family Jewels at the moment. He's the King of Comedy!

[@blackspider4universepeace.315]

I lo love. Jerry L. And I will always .. He was really a naturally funny man.

[@toniwilson2602]

I loved this even though you feel for the girl. But we can see why Jerry was doing this to help her get use to him so she could relax. Loved watch this movie, this clips of The Family Jewels. Jerry Lewis was a one of a kind and going to miss him. RIP Jerry you was great.

[@RaceIsOpen]

Oh boy she said to herself "Bellevue is calling"...lol...but totally understand why Jerry put her thru these test. Love this

[@scottiechik91]

Hahaha! Poor Donna! Jerry was really messing with her.

[@archstanton3249]

His behavior ,both on and off set , as displayed are in part why my father did’nt care for him. The word puke comes to mind. He was trying to mentally torture that girl . It had nothing to do with training. He is jealous of her brilliance, as it shows in every way. He could not out smart her , being the one who ended up looking foolish with his repetitively long boorish interrogation,s . Ones that had nor have a thing to do with the arts . It was rather he being a total pompous ass , for he failed to frustrate and embarrass that young lady. She’s way to sharp for a dull knife like his .

[@colingan9412]

She was good but could never understand the Dutch boy/Chinese rice bowl hair cut. It wasn’t the style back then and it didn’t catch on.

[@stephentresca3536]

Knowing what Jerry did to his family later on by taking them all out of his will. This is not right what’s he doing.

[@barbarayevoli9771]

Enjoyed watching this Jerry was good with her!

[@stanleyianieri5747]

He didn't get along with his own children. Now I see. Truly egotistical and bombastic.

[@jpgr99]

You see why Dean left.😅

[@LORRIEVIVALASVEGAS]

March 10, 2018 Donna Butterworth Rest In Peace🙏🏻😔🌸🌸🌈 Donna Butterworth, a child actress and singer who co-starred with Elvis Presley in the 1966 movie 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style', died Tuesday at Hilo Medical Center following a long illness. She was 62. Born in Philadelphia on Feb. 23, 1956, Butterworth was 3 when she moved to Hawaii with her family. She was 9 and already a showbiz veteran when she got the call to film with Elvis. By then, she had performed with entertainer Don Ho; released two singles, 'Sailor Boy' and 'California Sunshine Boy' on a national record label; appeared on 'The Hollywood Palace', 'The Dean Martin Show', 'The Andy Williams Show' and 'The Danny Kaye Show'; and garnered a Golden Globe nomination for most promising newcomer for her role in the 1965 Jerry Lewis comedy 'The Family Jewels.' In 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style', Butterworth played Jan Kohana, daughter of the business partner of Elvis' character. Butterworth sang several duets with the King of Rock 'n' Roll and gained a cult following, but her acting career was short-lived. She appeared in 'Little Leathernecks', an unsold sitcom pilot that aired as an episode of 'Summer Fun', a seven-week 1966 ABC-TV summer-replacement series, and 'A Boy Called Nuthin'', a two-part 1967 episode of 'Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color' that starred Ron Howard. As an adult, Butterworth sang professionally and recorded a CD in Hawaii in the early 2000s. A private memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Butterworth is survived by her mother, Isabella Chalfant of Las Vegas; brother, William T. Butterworth of Las Vegas; nieces, nephews and cousins.

[@davidcrowder5679]

Jerry was an arrogant punk.

[@ashleyliedlich8727]

He loved that precious baby she so cute *fresh one of my fav movies

[@JeffMcNeal]

Always wondered what happened to Donna Butterworth? It seems as though her time in the spotlight ended almost as quickly as it began. Performing with Don Ho, movies with Elvis and Jerry Lewis, TV appearances on Ronny Howard, Dean Martin and others, then POOF! She was gone. Seemed like her fame lasted maybe a year or two? What happened?

[@ponekingpetch3595]

Classic Stuff.

[@radioman970]

She nom'd for a Golden Globe for her performance in this film. This is how you bring the best out of actors. I highly recommend reading about Vincent Price and the director of the film Witchfinder General (aka Conqueror Worm).

[@ScarletWitchJakarta]

Is this an audition?

[@Donazify]

She already had the part in the movie, so it's not an audition. Jerry usually asked a silly and funny line of questioning to his newer cast members on their make-up/costume tests. That might be what this is. He asked her the questions to know her better probably.

[@ScarletWitchJakarta]

Donazify Very interesting thanks for the explanation. It looks like he's trying to get her to feel comfortable and not be afraid of him. She's so adorable! Fascinating stuff thanks for uploading.

[@elizalove47]

*Is so fool Jerry Lewis at his questions ...Donna is a sparkling and lovely!♡ ღ😃🌺 ヅ ♪♫* *9.28.2021*

[@davidcolantuono3622]

I think he's confusing her with the scripted age (10) and her real age (8). Personally, he's even confusing me.

[@javiergonzalezlopez10]

10:42 minutes of color footage, in 1960. Only that reel camera must have cost a bit in those times. A small treasure of that delightful film.

[@roberts.3098]

Javier González López Color and black and white used the same Mitchell BNC camera. It was the color film that cost more money.

[@vincentkosik403]

Wow, she's a super trooper and a natural talent.. remember her very well as I was growing up... adorable and she hanged in with Jerry

[@colorado677]

E dizer que esse ser tão bonito, aqui ainda uma menininha, não está mais entre nós, a vida é um sopro.

[@pagen5219]

amazingly confident, wow

[@WRRudy]

This proves JL is just a jerk. Honestly.

[@RichardSpeights]

If all you know of Jerry Lewis was from his movies, Martin and Lewis, you would think him less than intelligent and able. Lewis was the brains behind the production always, highly intelligent and in almost always in charge. I liked his movies with Dean, but the more I learn about the man, the more I admire him for his range of talents.

[@Princess_Pixie]

my mind would have exploded at 7:43 lmfao what did he just spell?

[@Donazify]

Hieenoie which I don't think is anything? lmaoo

[@Princess_Pixie]

it's not XD I would have been like ........am i losing my mind or is he?

[@stellaorvad2519]

This is hilarious and reminds me of "Who is on 1st base lol

[@phoenixcaii2905]

R.I.P. Donna 😢

[@bobbyfrancis8957]

I thought this was her screen test.

[@Donazify]

Yes it kind of is. Not a traditional one though.

[@Johnnyboy792]

That's an awesome clip ! Thank you - JB

[@coldcrush1]

"How old are you?..." 8...10.. wait..10..8, 10? I think Lewis was training Donna to be a method actress 😅

[@Cookefan59]

She reminds me very much of Shirley Temple. Especially the voice.

[@eileenmclaughlin985]

i think jerry wz picking at her a little bit that wz funny. dang i miss jerry.

[@ghanasoul]

Jerry Lewis said he cast his actors based on FEEL. He NEVER had them read anything. They talk bout everything but the role. He’s talking to her to see what kind of connection they have. This makes sense cuz when you’re gonna work with someone u need chemistry.

[@delcannon5051]

This is CUTE.

[@angelmurphy914]

Now i remember her now

[@annettebaker920]

LOL 😂

[@miqumiqu8673]

lol

[@lovelysmiles4u]

❤️❤️

[@SaveMe0377]

I was so confused. XD

[@hebneh]

This is aggravating. If I'd been her parent during this taunting procedure I would've been very likely to have pulled her from this project over how Jerry was intentionally mistreating her. No, it's not funny; no, it's not clever to do this to an 8-year-old girl...who by the way was already quite experienced at performing live, on TV, and in movies and didn't require any breaking in.

[@Donazify]

Wow, this is not mistreating her in any way. By the way she had good things to say years later, after her experience on this movie.

[@SocialmotionMedia]

You are a smidgen sensitive I'd conclude. If you know nothing about the process of a Director working and exploring with their talent than it might seem troubling this clip. This (to me) looks like JL being JL and establishing a loose, easy and friendly connection with an 8-year-old with not much Hollywood experience. Although Donna seems like she was that rare old soul type like e.g. Jodie Foster or Kurt Russell. RIP Donna Butterworth

[@marym5037]

hebneh!! What are you talking about??? LOL

[@emilthoresen981]

hebneh It’s a safe bet that you’re the kind of person that lives in a world where there are no winners, and everyone gets a trophy just for participating. Your the kind of adult that has ruined many things with your over sensitive bullshit. I’m only 15 and I can tell that he’s not mistreating her. You should just crawl back into your safe space and shut up. You’re making a fool of yourself whether or not you realize it.

[@javierserna1000]

ExactShe is an 8 year old girl, and Jerry is abusing her.. He was a man with Bi-Polar Mood disorder.. If I was the little girl's dad I would have slapped the shit our of Jerry. . Jerry was the dunce growing up, laughed at every day of his life.. Later in life he was able to use his disability to become successful.. ly..

[@eileenmclaughlin985]

jerry wz just picking at donna she soo cute awwww