50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Drums of Conformity - Thoreau Lost in NYC, March 12, 2001
This is a great film that explores the issue of conformity in grand detail. Through the character Murray (played by Robards), we see the life of someone who is bound and determined to remain untainted and apart from society. This is put to the ultimate test, when his civil disobedience endangers his ability to legally take care of his nephew. Will Murray conform with society and keep the child, or will he refuse to sell out and lose the only thing he truly values?
Murray feels what all humans feel - particularly at the age when they're ready to move out on their own into the world. He retains a childlike quality that at times delights us with witty, honest comedy. And at other times it frustrates our logic; for we care about the child and his future. This story closely mimics that of *Catcher in the Rye* and also follows many of the ideals laid down by Henry David Thoreau. Murray practices all forms of civil disobedience and definitely walks to the beat of a different drummer.
With witty dialogue, endearing characters, and an all-star performance by the film's lead men, *A Thousand Clowns* is a sure winner for all audiences. The film is made all the more classic due to its handling of a subject we all can relate too: To conform or not to conform.
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40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Film That Made Me, November 7, 2006
I just need to say that this is my favorite film of all time. One of those strange films that you wonder why is not on DVD, but almost everything bad (not saying much)with Charles Bronson is.
I need to tell everyone of the first time I saw the film. I was 12 years
old. It was a Saturday night. I used to take the TV into the bathroom and watch whatever was on NBC's "Saturday Night at the Movies", while I lay in the bathtub. This film came on that I had no idea whatever what it was. The more I watched, the more I realized I was watching a film that I knew nothing about, but knew everything about, and i was Mesmerized. I found out at that time that I was Murray Burns(ok without the kid mind you). I think that for someone my age, to see that in themselves, is pretty extraordinary. Much of my life has been lived by the classic line in the film, when Arnie(Murrays Brother) says's to him...
"You know Murray, there is only one thing separating you from complete happiness. And do you know what that is? Other People".
I try to live my life, by the way of Murray Burns. I often break out into a rather strange rendition of "Yes Sir, That's My Baby", at very
inopportune times, just to see who gets the joke.
Genius.......
One of the many films needed to be remastered and released to the general public that knows, what is worthy, and what is not.
Om my GOD, I love this film so much.
I thank you for letting me ramble.
Now when the F%%k Can we see this released on DVD?
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34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"You've gotta own your own days ...", August 24, 2000
A funny, humane, thoughtful film about society's pressure to conform, honest enough to admit that others may sometimes pay the price for your non-conformity. Made before the 60's actually became THE 60's, "A Thousand Clowns" anticipates the coming decade and the struggle to become and remain one's own person from several perspectives, doing justice to all of them. Even characters who would be written off as one-dimensional villains in lesser films are given their say and their dignity here; everyone clearly has a life, complete with its sorrows and joys, and its own viewpoint. The romance between Jason Robards and Barbara Harris is sweet, giddy and touching; the love between Robards and his worshipping but clear-sighted nephew (a superb Barry Gordon) is strong and moving. How many of us still face the choices presented in this film? All too many of us, of course, each and every day - we can only hope to face them with as much good humor and warmth as these characters do! A neglected classic, absolutely wonderful.
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