A Thousand Clowns
Twelve-year-old Nick lives with his Uncle Murray, a Mr.Micawber-like Dickensian character who keeps hoping something won't turn up. What turns up is a social worker, who falls in love with Murray and a bit in love with Nick. As the child welfare people try to force Murray to become a conventional man (as the price they demand for allowing him to keep Nick), the nephew, who until now has gloried in his Uncle's iconoclastic approach to life, tries to play mediator. But when he succeeds, he is alarmed by the uncle's willingness to cave in to society in order to save the relationship.
Insights
Plot Summary
A nonconformist, unemployed writer named Murray Burns finds his bohemian lifestyle threatened when his much younger, intelligent brother, Nick, comes to live with him. Murray's unconventional approach to life, which includes raising Nick without structure or routine, is challenged when Nick begins to question his own future and the societal expectations placed upon him. Their relationship is further complicated by Murray's burgeoning romance with social worker Sandra Markowitz, who struggles to understand his anti-establishment views.
Critical Reception
A Thousand Clowns was a critical and commercial success, praised for its witty dialogue, sharp social commentary, and strong performances, particularly from Jason Robards and Martin Balsam. It resonated with audiences for its themes of individuality versus conformity and its humorous yet poignant exploration of modern life.
What Reviewers Say
- Sharp and witty screenplay that tackles themes of conformity and nonconformity.
- Strong performances, especially from Jason Robards as the lovable bohemian.
- A funny and insightful look at finding one's place in a structured world.
Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's humor and intelligence, finding its exploration of individualism relatable and refreshing. Many praised the sharp writing and the central performances for making the characters memorable.
Awards & Accolades
Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Martin Balsam. Nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor (Martin Balsam).
Fun Fact
The film is based on the play of the same name by Herb Gardner, which also starred Jason Robards.
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