Discover the heartwarming story of Shari Lewis and her iconic puppet, Lamb Chop, in Lisa D’Apolito’s documentary, ‘Shari & Lamb Chop.’ This film celebrates the legacy of a beloved entertainer who transformed children’s television.
‘Shari & Lamb Chop’ Review: A Tribute to Shari Lewis and Her Beloved Puppet
It’s fitting that Shari Lewis, the iconic ventriloquist and puppeteer at the center of Lisa D’Apolito’s winning documentary “Shari & Lamb Chop,” never seemed to get too hung up on religion. At one point in the film, Lewis shares her belief that the best religious ceremony is life itself. While others might dwell on the origin story of how they met their most famous partner, Lewis was more focused on the joy of performance.
Lewis’ journey began as a young entertainer on an episode of “Captain Kangaroo” in 1956, where a comment about the weight of her ventriloquist dummies led her to discover a lamb puppet she humorously claimed she “didn’t know.” This serendipitous moment marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership. Though Lewis wasn’t particularly sentimental, she was open-hearted, and the documentary reflects this, covering her life and work in under 90 minutes, leaving little time to linger.
Don’t let the brief runtime fool you; D’Apolito covers a staggering amount of ground, largely thanks to Lewis’ unique candor. A straight-shooting Type-A overachiever, Lewis is best known for her work with Lamb Chop, the adorable lamb puppet that shares the film’s title. Despite their seemingly casual introduction, the documentary argues that they were truly two halves of a whole.
Throughout her life, Lewis often recognized this connection, and each interview reveals her straightforward acknowledgment of it. The relationship between Lewis and Lamb Chop, along with other characters like Hush Puppy and Charlie Horse, is a testament to their unity. One of the most touching moments comes when Lewis admits to seeking God in her puppets, only to find it when Lamb Chop arrived.
The documentary is told mostly in a linear fashion, which at times feels rapid. Lewis’ early days, as the daughter of a magician and a pianist, were filled with creativity. As she noted in an older interview, ventriloquism felt like the “most natural thing” she did, a talent that forever changed children’s television.
While Lewis is well-known for her work with Lamb Chop and her shows from the ’60s and ’90s, D’Apolito’s documentary highlights her numerous accomplishments both with and without puppets. The film features a wealth of archival interviews, including voiceovers, yet leaves viewers craving more live performance footage, which showcases Lewis’ true brilliance.
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As the documentary delves into the more complex moments of Lewis’ life, particularly during the late ’60s and ’80s, we gain insights into her multifaceted character. Dubbed “The Queen of Reinvention” by her daughter, Mallory, Lewis explored various avenues before returning to television with “Play-Along,” which many consider her greatest achievement. As she matured, her focus intensified, aiming to create the best possible shows for her most enduring audience: children.
“Shari & Lamb Chop” offers a compelling new perspective on Shari Lewis and her beloved puppet, blending facts with the kind of showmanship only she could deliver.
Grade: B
“Shari & Lamb Chop” will be released by Kino Lorber in select theaters on Friday, July 18.
