Review of A Thousand Clowns (1965) by Jim S — 30 Jul 2010

A tight short comedy with some of the best written comedy of all time. it's Jason Robards' best role and he is a natural Murray Burns - a non-conformist and yet with a strong heart for his nephew whom was foisted on him 6 years earlier by his philandering sister. The give and take between his nephew (Nick or , Theodore...) are classic. After readying to Murray from the want-ads that are 3 days old (to this Murray counters "all the really important jobs stay forever")and that are dismissed by Murray, Nick says "You want to be your own boss Murray but the trouble with that is you don't pay yourself anything" Visited by the Child Welfare Bureau (Social Services Team) caseworkers, Murray and Nick divide then befriend the Barbara Harris (Miss Sandra Markowitz) character. The story revolves around Murray's disdain for working as a phony vs his need to show that he is responsible so as to continue to raise Nick. Murray has to find a job and after several failed attempts goes back with Leo Herman (Chuckles the Chipmunk)that has a childrens' show but hates children and has no talent for being amusing.

There are so many memorable points in this movie and so much that appealed to my sensibilities (after all isn't that what personal opinions are based on?) that I could point out the entire script that is chocked full of wit, love, irony, sex, sadness, and hilarity...the entire human emotion...a great movie, rooted in the mid 60's bustling New York City yet timeless in it humor and pathos.