A Thousand Clowns (1965)

69% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
92% of users liked it
(966 ratings)

Jason Robards Jr. superbly re-creates his Broadway role in this 1965 film version of Herb Gardner's play. Robards plays Murray Burns, head writer of TV's popular Chuckles the Chipmunk show. Fed up with the rat race, Murray quits his job and retreats to his cluttered Manhattan apartment, where he… More Jason Robards Jr. superbly re-creates his Broadway role in this 1965 film version of Herb Gardner's play. Robards plays Murray Burns, head writer of TV's popular Chuckles the Chipmunk show. Fed up with the rat race, Murray quits his job and retreats to his cluttered Manhattan apartment, where he carries on a nonconformist, laissez-faire existence with his 12-year-old nephew Nick (Barry Gordon). Though they're as close as father and son, Robards has never gotten around to legally adopting Nick, which brings him to the attention of social workers Sandra (Barbara Harris) and Albert (William Daniels). While Albert is disgusted by Murray's irreverence, Sandra falls in love with the free-spirited writer. Teaming up with Nick, Sandra tries to convince Murray to get another job. Arnold Burns (Oscar-winner Martin Balsam), Murray's agent-brother, is amused by his sibling's independence, but can find no work for him. Desperate not to lose Nick to the authorities, Murray offers to go back to Chuckles the Chipmunk -- aka Leo (Gene Saks), a neurotic bug who bullies his staff and hates kids. Young Nick is disillusioned by Murray's willingness to conform, and he throws an uncharacteristic temper tantrum. But the boy comes around to Murray's sudden realization that compromise is sometimes necessary if it's for the sake of someone you love. While the central message of A Thousand Clowns may grate on some viewers, the film is saved by the exuberance of the cast. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 58 min.
Directed By: Fred Coe
Genres: Drama, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1965 Wide

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Terrif dialog to match Robards' scenery-chewing create a sock impact.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
The humor is still surprising, and Mr. Robards is still full of spice with his clownish wise-cracks and the map of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey stamped all over his face.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
The mechanics of the Herb Gardner script show through much too clearly for this to qualify as anything other than shrewdly programmed entertainment.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
This warm and wonderful comedy-drama is a paean to non-conformity.
Sean Axmaker, MSN.com
... there's something disingenuous about presenting defiant purposelessness and unemployment as an act of courage.
Phil Hall, Film Snobbery
Robard's performance is loud, playing-to-the-audience brash, and his version of nonconformist behavior is obnoxiously unfunny.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
This serio comedy about nonconformity is well acted by Jason Robards and the others, but it's still a play
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Oscar caliber performances; based on hit Broadway play
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Patchy nonconformist comedy.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
I liked the way it started, but by the end I was quite annoyed by it.
Bob Aulert, culturevulture.net
Timeless is an adjective that's tossed around too frequently, but A Thousand Clowns more than qualifies.

Read all 11 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

Jason Robards is a middle-aged, unemployed bachelor who is raising his 12-year-old nephew (Barry Gordon) in the heart of New York City. When confronted by representatives from NY social services, Robards is faced with the choice of either conforming to "acceptable" standards… More
Jason Robards is a middle-aged, unemployed bachelor who is raising his 12-year-old nephew (Barry Gordon) in the heart of New York City. When confronted by representatives from NY social services, Robards is faced with the choice of either conforming to "acceptable" standards (getting a job) or risk losing his nephew to the bureaucracy of the child welfare system. I have an affinity for cerebral comedies and this is definitely a good example. It stimulates the mind, tickles the funny bone and touches the heart.
moon r

thanks to exnavykds for reminding me...
Tim S

Jason Robards and Barry Gordon are astounding in this film. Funny, but at the same time, an air of sadness throughout the entire film.
Byron B

Here's another obscure favorite movie. It has a precocious young man being raised by an uncle who lives by his own rules. Through much of the movie, the boy seems like the parent and the uncle seems like the child. Before long a couple of social workers bring a dose of… More
Here's another obscure favorite movie. It has a precocious young man being raised by an uncle who lives by his own rules. Through much of the movie, the boy seems like the parent and the uncle seems like the child. Before long a couple of social workers bring a dose of reality (and a surprise romance). It's about the tragedy of being a care-free individual and having to take on the dull, mechanical responsibilities of adulthood. Very funny- also based on a stage play. A hidden gem.
Anthony V

All at once touching and funny, a real gem of a film.