Customer Reviews

A Thousand Clowns [VHS]

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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?

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.

This is without a doubt one of my favorite movies of all time. It changed my life as much as a movie can change your life. I saw it the first time, many years ago, when I was ten years old on its network TV premiere and I have not been the same since (my spotty employment record proves it). I really only have one thing to say about it: WHY CAN'T I HAVE THIS MOVIE ON DVD!!!!???!!! And I don't mean some crappy full frame piece of garbage - DO NOT FOIST THAT OFF ON ME! I want a proper DVD release, with wide screen and commentary and all the bells and whistles and I WANT IT NOW! NOW I TELL YOU! DVD NOW!(...).

Every bit the equal of Harold and Maude, A Thousand Clowns is the sleeper cult movie of the 60's.

After seeing Jason Robards struggle with telephones, relatives, women and conformity, you too will be talking back to the weather lady with his quotes. Only Zorba The Greek has more memorable one-liners.

Invading social workers threaten to separate Robards from his nephew unless he learns to conform sufficiently to keep a job as a comedy writer for Chuckles the Chipmonk.

Strong acting by a wonderful cast, great dialog, and powerful editing in a black and white format will keep you glued the the screen and smiling from beginning to end.

And for the rest of your life, you will know the proper use of the line "you can never have too many eagles" :-)

Jason Robards is a TV writer who "drops out" of the rat race in NYC to "live free." His young nephew lives with him, however, and in order to keep him from being taken away by social agencies, he reluctantly joins the ranks again. Offbeat, but very appealing; Robards is excellent. The movie is full of vibrancy and very life-affirming. The script is superb. A real treat.

I am the eleventh reviewer on this page, and the eleventh to rate this movie five stars. It is clear that this Herb Gardner comedy goes beyond cult hit to idolized and life-changing movie. It is all of the things the other fans have mentioned -- a witty and wise comic play peopled with wonderfully offbeat characters, a delicious vehicle for Robards and Harris, a thrilling record of New York City in another era, a tribute to all who are daft and daring, etc. When I was in college in the Midwest and our group saw "Thousand Clowns" playing at the local theatre -- whether art-house or drive-in in its second, third or fourth return -- we'd drop our poker hands and books and head for the show. If anyone had told us in the mid-60s that we could one day own a copy we would have been astonished. Go head: Astonish yourself.

I too saw this movies as a kid (age 8) and have loved it ever since. But you don't have to be from NYC to appreciate it: I grew up in a small town in Colorado and was just as taken by the non-conformist characters played by Jason Robards and Barry Gordon as well as some of the funniest and most razor-edged dialogue of any movie. This film continues to provide the best statement of the dilemma between conformity vs. non-conformity confronting every thinking person each day. When facing such a choice, I am reminded of the image of Robards jumping on that bus in his suit in the closing moments of the movie, and think to myself "did I just do that too?"

I saw it at age 15 -- and countless times since. Every line is etched in my soul. My wife and now my kids have also become fans of this classic.

Everything about this movie hits the mark - the script, direction, acting, music - it's all there. For anyone not aware, it was nominated for Best Picture in '65.

By the way, when I first saw Gene Sacks doing Chuckles the Chipmunk in this, he irritated me -- now I just roar with laughter!

Run, don't walk to add this to your collection -- or gift it to someone who likes humor, New York, or both!

Not only funny - this movie can teach you the art of comedy! Classic and indispensable to the theater artist and student of comedy.