A Thousand Clowns

• Jason Robards: Murray Burns
• Barbara Harris: Dr. Sandra Markowitz
• Martin Balsam: Arnold Burns
• Barry Gordon: Nick
• Gene Saks: Leo Herman
• William Daniels: Albert Amundsen

Thousand Clowns is an American comedy film directed by Fred Coe from 1965 based on the eponymous play by Herb Gardner. Germany premiere was on 15 September 1966.

Action

Murray Burns, an unemployed television writer, lives with his twelve year old nephew Nick in a messy New York's one- room apartment. For five months Murray is unemployed. Most recently, he wrote the gags for the pitiful comedian Leo Herman, who hosted a children's show. Seven years ago, Murray's sister had her son Nick alone. He now attends a school for gifted children.

Nick writes a class work on the system of unemployment benefits. Ever since then, lets his or Murray's situation is can the school management a social worker to explore the lives of the boys. Murray is provided by the Child Welfare Bureau ( comparable to the German Child Protection Agency ) before the election, to find a job or losing custody of his nephew. Murray begins Sondra, the psychologist who cares about Nick's case, to ensnare.

Murray tries to find work; he is aware of the great responsibility. However, when he again should work as a writer for the comedian, he loses the respect of his nephew. Nick, however, told the comedian how bad he was. Finally, Nick and Sandra clean up the apartment. A normal life can begin.

Reviews

" Thematically and dramatically remarkable film adaptation of a stage play, the film becomes a sympathetic ode to joy of life, humanity and humor. Scenically rather homespun, since the spatial confines of the theater template is insufficiently broken. "

" In every way a successful handling of his presentation is " A Thousand Clowns " is a touching and often devastatingly funny movie."

Background

• The play, in which Jason Robards also played the role of Murray Burns was in 1963 with the Tony Award.
• For Barbara Harris was the first role in a feature film.

Awards