On the occasion of Jerry Lewis’ 90th birthday, Blackbird’s Lawrence Inglee, and Lightstream’s Garrett Kelleher, producers of the legendary actor’s latest film, “Max Rose,” announce that they have finalized a deal with Paladin to release the film theatrically in the U.S. On April 10th, Lewis will be present for the film’s official premiere at The Museum of Modern Art, in conjunction with the museum’s major exhibition, “Happy Birthday, Mr. Lewis: The Kid Turns 90,” a comprehensive career retrospective featuring highlights of Lewis’ oeuvre as both filmmaker and star, that concluded yesterday. Paladin plans to launch “Max Rose” in New York and Los Angeles in late August, with a significant expansion into major markets following Labor Day.
Written and directed by Daniel Noah, “Max Rose” is a deeply moving drama featuring Lewis in the title role – and in every scene – as a retired jazz musician whose beloved wife of over six decades has just passed away. Though his career wasn’t everything he’d hoped it would be, Max always felt like a success because the beautiful, elegant Eva was by his side. But, while going through her effects, Max discovers an object bearing an intimate inscription from another man, a shocking revelation that leads him to believe his entire marriage, indeed, his entire life, was built on a lie. Coping with anger, withdrawal, and his own fragile health, Max embarks on an exploration of his own past, all the while searching for Eva’s mysterious suitor, in the hope that he can get the answers he needs to be at peace.
Rounding out the cast of “Max Rose” are Claire Bloom as Eva, Kevin Pollak as Max’s son, and Kerry Bishé as his granddaughter. Also starring are Dean Stockwell, Mort Sahl, Rance Howard, and Lee Weaver. Academy Award-winners Michel Legrand, along with Alan and Marilyn Bergman, have created an original song for the feature, which figures prominently in Max’s life and career. Rush River’s Bill Walton produces along with Inglee and Kelleher.
“We can think of no better way to celebrate Jerry’s landmark birthday than to announce that ‘Max Rose’ will be reaching theaters this summer,” state producers Inglee and Kelleher. “His commitment to the film has been unwavering every step of the way, and our entire team, including our newest partner, Mark Urman of Paladin, is prepared to match his passion with our own.” Writer/director Noah adds, “I am truly honored that our film will have its first official screening at MoMA. Their amazing retrospective illustrates what an extraordinary, original, and incomparably versatile artist Jerry is, and I believe his work in our film will show that his talents have only deepened with age.” In conclusion, Urman notes, “at a time when mature actors and themes are proving increasingly popular, and the audience for their work is growing, we are excited to be bringing ‘Max Rose’ to the public. As a testament to the value of a long life, well-lived, it should resonate powerfully with several generations of filmgoers.”
