It would be hard for an objective appraiser to call The Family Jewels a gem, but this is a sentiment with which many ardent Jerry Lewis fans would clearly take issue. Lewis supporters probably wouldn't argue with the fact that Jewels is a very sloppy film, with continuity issues so blatant that they simply can't be ignored. They also probably would agree that the screenplay is little more than an excuse for Lewis to play seven roles. But they most likely would disagree with the assessment that there is neither enough variety nor enough depth in these roles to justify a full-length film. The characters that Lewis creates here are made of flour and paste; there's nothing very interesting about them, to the point that they overstay their welcome, even though they occupy the screen for only ten minutes or so each. Matters are not helped by the fact that the "MacGuffin" that is the premise of the film -- who will Donna Butterworth choose as her guardian? -- generates absolutely no suspense or surprise. There are a few good moments, and Lewis as Captain Eddie comes very close to being engaging, but Jewels is a film that is best enjoyed by those who already accept Lewis as a comedic genius.