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A Thousand Clowns Photos

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Movie Info

Determined to avoid employment, Murray Burns (Jason Robards), an eccentric former TV writer, lives with his 12-year-old nephew, Nick (Barry Gordon), in a messy New York City apartment. When Nick's unconventional home life is discovered, Murray comes under the scrutiny of social worker Sandra Markowitz (Barbara Harris), whom he quickly charms. Attempting to be responsible for both Nick and Sandra, Murray begrudgingly looks for a job -- but can he truly commit to a more conventional life?

Genre:

comedy
Original Language:

English
Director:

Fred Coe
Producer:

Fred Coe
Release Date (Streaming):

Apr 20, 2011
Runtime:

1h 58m
Production Co:

United Artists

Cast & Crew

Jason Robards
Murray

Barbara Harris
Sandra

Martin Balsam
Arnold

Barry Gordon
Nick Burns, Wilbur Malcome Burns, Theodore Burns, Raphael Sabatini, Dr. Morris Fishbein, Woodrow Burns, Chevrolet Burns, Big Sam Burns, Lefty Burns

Gene Saks
Leo

William Daniels
Albert

Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for A Thousand Clowns

All Critics (17) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (12) | Rotten (5)

Terrif dialog to match Robards' scenery-chewing create a sock impact.

July 22, 2008 | Full Review…

Variety Staff
Variety
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.

May 9, 2005 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…

Bosley Crowther
New York Times
Quote not available.

November 18, 2004 | Rating: 5/5

Nell Minow
Movie Mom
The mechanics of the Herb Gardner script show through much too clearly for this to qualify as anything other than shrewdly programmed entertainment.

January 1, 2000 | Full Review…

Dave Kehr
Chicago Reader
With a cast this good and dialogue this witty, the film holds onto its modest charms.

May 12, 2020 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy
This warm and wonderful comedy-drama is a paean to non-conformity.

January 30, 2012 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

TV Guide
... there's something disingenuous about presenting defiant purposelessness and unemployment as an act of courage.

July 1, 2011 | Full Review…

Sean Axmaker
MSN.com
Robard's performance is loud, playing-to-the-audience brash, and his version of nonconformist behavior is obnoxiously unfunny.

June 2, 2011 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

Phil Hall
Film Snobbery
This serio comedy about nonconformity is well acted by Jason Robards and the others, but it's still a play

March 30, 2011 | Rating: C+ | Full Review…

Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Oscar caliber performances; based on hit Broadway play

March 14, 2009 | Rating: 4/5

Steve Crum
Video-Reviewmaster.com
Patchy nonconformist comedy.

March 23, 2007 | Rating: C+ | Full Review…

Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
Quote not available.

April 27, 2005 | Rating: 3/5

Lori Hoffman
Atlantic City Weekly

View All Critic Reviews (17)

Audience Reviews for A Thousand Clowns

May 06, 2014

Ruined somewhat for me by the fact that I had to memorize a monologue from this film, A Thousand Clowns remains a critique of what bring contentment to life. It is lightweight compared to most recent films on the topic but it is nonetheless good.

John B Super Reviewer
Jan 21, 2009

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.

Randy T Super Reviewer
Jul 24, 2008

thanks to exnavykds for reminding me...

Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
Jul 08, 2008

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

Anthony V Super Reviewer