A Thousand Clowns

A Thousand Clowns

... IT'S A LIFT FOR THE SPIRITS

1965 · 118 min · ★ 6.9 · Comedy, Drama, Romance

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.

Directed by Fred Coe · Written by Herb Gardner

Your Rating

Cast

Make it a double feature

3h 14m together

A Thousand Clowns

All the Way Home

Both from Fred Coe.

More from Fred CoeSee all →

All the Way HomeAll the Way Home · 1971
All the Way Home
10.01971
MovieDramaTV Movie
Jay Follet is suffering a mid-life crisis while his wife, Mary, is expecting their second child. When Jay takes his family to visit his 103-year-old grandmother, he begins to realize that life is passing by too quickly. He turns more and more toward alcohol to escape from reality. When Jay doesn't come home one night, Mary learns that he was in an accident and waits anxiously for his return. Screen adaptation of Tad Mosel's 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning play based on James Agee's Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiographical novel A Death in the Family.
Hallmark Hall of FameHallmark Hall of Fame · 1951
Hallmark Hall of Fame
8.81951
SeriesDrama
Long-running anthology program sponsored by Hallmark Cards. Beginning in 1951 and continuing into 2019, the series received 80 Emmy Awards, 24 Christopher Awards, 11 Peabody Awards, 9 Golden Globes, and 4 Humanitas Prizes. Early seasons were a weekly live drama, eventually transitioning to videotaped and then filmed productions broadcast as occasional specials.
MartyMarty · 1953
Marty
8.01953
MovieDramaTV Movie
Marty Pilletti is a 36-year-old butcher who lives with his mother, who is always asking him why he doesn't find a nice girl and get married. The truth is Marty is lonely and would like nothing better, but he has low self-esteem and admits to his mother that he's ugly and no one wants him. He's tired of going to the Saturday night dance with his buddies and then going home more depressed than he was when the evening started. But at one of those dances he meets Clara. They have a great deal in common but Marty will have to overcome peer pressure if he and Clara are to have a relationship.
The Spiral StaircaseThe Spiral Staircase · 1961
The Spiral Staircase
8.01961
MovieThrillerTV Movie
Based on the screenplay by Mel Dinelli, this story revolves around Helen Warren, a beautiful mute girl, who becomes the target of a mysterious killer who preys on young handicapped women.
The Miracle WorkerThe Miracle Worker · 1962
The Miracle Worker
7.91962
MovieDramaHistory
The true story of the frightening, lonely world of silence and darkness of 7-year-old Helen Keller who, since infancy, has never seen the sky, heard her mother's voice or expressed her innermost feelings. Then Annie Sullivan, a 20-year-old teacher from Boston, arrives. Having just recently regained her own sight, the no-nonsense Annie reaches out to Helen through the power of touch, the only tool they have in common, and leads her bold pupil on a miraculous journey from fear and isolation to happiness and light.
DuPont Show of the MonthDuPont Show of the Month · 1957
DuPont Show of the Month
7.41957
SeriesDramaComedy
DuPont Show of the Month is an acclaimed 90-minute television anthology series that aired monthly on CBS from 1957 to 1961. The DuPont Company also sponsored a weekly half-hour anthology drama series hosted by June Allyson, The DuPont Show with June Allyson. During the Golden Age of Television, DuPont Show of the Month was one of numerous anthology series telecast between 1949 and 1962. Superficially, it resembled Playhouse 90 and other anthologies, but DuPont Show of the Month focused less on contemporary dramas and more on adaptations of literary classics, including Oliver Twist, The Prince and the Pauper, Billy Budd, The Prisoner of Zenda, A Tale of Two Cities and The Count of Monte Cristo.
The Adams ChroniclesThe Adams Chronicles · 1976
The Adams Chronicles
7.41976
SeriesDramaWar & Politics
Chronicles the story of the Adams political family over a 150-year span, including John Adams (drafter and signer of the Declaration, accomplished diplomat, and the 2nd President of the U.S.), his wife Abigail Adams, his son John Quincy Adams (acclaimed Secretary of State, the 6th President, and prominent abolitionist Congressman), grandson Charles Francis Adams, Congressman and Ambassador to Great Britain during the Civil War, and much-heralded members of the fourth generation Henry Brooks Adams, the historian and author of the novel Democracy, and Charles Francis Adams II, the industrialist.
Wait Until DarkWait Until Dark · 1967
Wait Until Dark
7.31967
MovieThrillerCrime
After a flight back home, Sam Hendrix returns with a doll he innocently acquired along the way. As it turns out, the doll is actually stuffed with heroin, and a group of criminals led by the ruthless Roat has followed Hendrix back to his place to retrieve it. When Hendrix leaves for business, the crooks make their move -- and find his blind wife, Susy, alone in the apartment. Soon, a life-threatening game begins between Susy and the thugs.
Days of Wine and RosesDays of Wine and Roses · 1958
Days of Wine and Roses
7.31958
MovieDramaTV Movie
An alcoholic falls in love with and gets married to a young woman whom he systematically addicts to booze so they can share his "passion" together.
Mister PeepersMister Peepers · 1952
Mister Peepers
7.01952
SeriesComedy
Mr. Peepers is a shy science teacher at Jefferson Junior High. He is always faced with problems but is never outwitted.
The Miracle WorkerThe Miracle Worker · 1979
The Miracle Worker
6.91979
MovieDramaTV Movie
The true story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, a gripping battle to overcome impossible obstacles and the struggle to communicate. As a young girl, Helen Keller is stricken with scarlet fever. The illness leaves her blind, mute, and deaf. Sealed off from the world, Helen cannot communicate with anyone, nor anyone with her. Often frustrated and desperate, Helen flies into uncontrollable rages and tantrums that terrify her hopeless family. The gifted teacher Annie Sullivan is summoned by the family to help the girl understand the world from which she is isolated, freeing Helen Keller from her internal prison forever. Television remake of the 1962 film which also starred Patty Duke in the role of Helen Keller.
The Petrified ForestThe Petrified Forest · 1955
The Petrified Forest
6.81955
MovieTV MovieDrama
Gabrielle Maple works in a dusty desert gas station-café, but yearns for the life of an artist in France, knowing there must be something finer than the provincial dead-end she is trapped in. A hitch-hiking writer, the disillusioned Alan Squier, appears and revitalizes her dreams of a better place, and finds his own sense of worth refreshed by this vital young girl. When Duke Mantee and his gang, wanted killers, show up and take hostages, Gabrielle falls in love with the poetic Alan, and Squier begins to see a way to give Gabby the life she deserves.
The Philco Television PlayhouseThe Philco Television Playhouse · 1948
The Philco Television Playhouse
6.61948
SeriesDrama
The Philco Television Playhouse is an American anthology series that was broadcast live on NBC from 1948 to 1955. Produced by Fred Coe, the series was sponsored by Philco. It was one of the most respected dramatic shows of the Golden Age of Television, winning a 1954 Peabody Award and receiving eight Emmy nominations between 1951 and 1956.
This Property Is CondemnedThis Property Is Condemned · 1966
This Property Is Condemned
6.41966
MovieDramaRomance
Owen Legate, a railroad official, comes to Dodson, Mississippi to shut down the local railway - the town's main income. But Owen unexpectedly finds love with Dodson's flirt and main attraction, Alva Starr.
Peter PanPeter Pan · 1955
Peter Pan
6.21955
MovieFantasyMusic
This musical version of the tale of the boy who wouldn't grow up aired live on television on March 7, 1955. It was so popular that it was restaged the following year, and again four years later.
The Left Handed GunThe Left Handed Gun · 1958
The Left Handed Gun
6.01958
MovieWestern
When a crooked sheriff murders his employer, William "Billy the Kid" Bonney decides to avenge the death by killing the man responsible, throwing the lives of everyone around him into turmoil, and endangering the General Amnesty set up by Governor Wallace to bring peace to the New Mexico Territory.

More Like This

Suburban GirlSuburban Girl · 2007
Suburban Girl
5.52007
MovieComedyDrama
Publishing assistant Brett Eisenberg wants to be a big-time editor. However, she lacks self-confidence, a problem that isn't helped by her new, overbearing boss. Brett soon enters into a relationship with Archie, an older man who has plenty of his own issues, including alcoholism, diabetes and a difficult relationship with his daughter. Intent on helping Archie get past his problems, she turns to her dying father for advice.
The Golden ChildThe Golden Child · 1986
The Golden Child
5.91986
MovieActionAdventure
After a Tibetan boy, the mystical Golden Child, is kidnapped by the evil Sardo Numspa, humankind's fate hangs in the balance. On the other side of the world in Los Angeles, the priestess Kee Nang seeks the Chosen One, who will save the boy from death. When Nang sees social worker Chandler Jarrell on television discussing his ability to find missing children, she solicits his expertise, despite his skepticism over being "chosen."
Despicable Me Presents: Minion MadnessDespicable Me Presents: Minion Madness · 2010
Despicable Me Presents: Minion Madness
7.02010
MovieFamilyAdventure
Three new mini-movies from the creators of Despicable Me. Orientation Day: Three freshly cloned minions go through the wacky orientation process at the evil laboratories of Gru. Home Makeover: The minions "assist" Edith, Margo & Agnes in a home makeover when they find out a social worker is going to pay them a visit. Watch the crazy antics ensue! Banana: A minion finds a banana in his lunch bag. To what lengths will the other minions go through to steal away that coveted yellow goodness?
Losing IsaiahLosing Isaiah · 1995
Losing Isaiah
6.51995
MovieDrama
Khaila Richards, a crack-addicted single mother, accidentally leaves her baby in a dumpster while high and returns the next day in a panic to find he is missing. In reality, the baby has been adopted by a warm-hearted social worker, Margaret Lewin, and her husband, Charles. Years later, Khaila has gone through rehab and holds a steady job. After learning that her child is still alive, she challenges Margaret for the custody.
Carry On TeacherCarry On Teacher · 1959
Carry On Teacher
6.41959
MovieComedy
When a well-loved headmaster decides to retire, his scheming pupils have other ideas. The cunning boys unleash a campaign of practical jokes, armed with gin, itching power, and bombs!
AlanisAlanis · 2017
Alanis
6.32017
MovieDrama
A young Buenos Aires mother finds employment as a sex worker and struggles to live under the same laws that are supposed to protect her.
Party GirlParty Girl · 1995
Party Girl
6.51995
MovieComedyDrama
Although Mary has little income, she still finds ways to spend her nights at clubs. After being arrested for throwing an illegal rave, she asks her aunt Judy for bail money. Judy then finds Mary a job at her library so that Mary can repay her. Initially, Mary finds the job as a clerk boring and stifling, and prefers to get to know a street food vendor whom she likes. However, Mary must refocus her life once she loses her job and apartment.
The Baron of ArizonaThe Baron of Arizona · 1950
The Baron of Arizona
6.71950
MovieRomanceWestern
The U.S. government recognizes land grants made when the West was under Spanish rule. This inspires James Reavis to forge a chain of historical evidence that makes a foundling girl the Baroness of Arizona. Reavis marries the girl and presses his claim to the entire Arizona territory.
I Think We're Alone NowI Think We're Alone Now · 2018
I Think We're Alone Now
5.82018
MovieDramaScience Fiction
After a catastrophe destroys most of humanity, recluse Del lives in his small, empty town, content with the utopia he has methodically created for himself, until an interloper, young Grace, disrupts his solitude.
Free WillyFree Willy · 1993
Free Willy
6.21993
MovieFamilyAdventure
When maladjusted orphan Jesse vandalizes a theme park, he is placed with foster parents and must work at the park to make amends. There he meets Willy, a young Orca whale who has been separated from his family. Sensing kinship, they form a bond and, with the help of kindly whale trainer Rae Lindley, develop a routine of tricks. However, greedy park owner Dial soon catches wind of the duo and makes plans to profit from them.
Jesus of MontrealJesus of Montreal · 1989
Jesus of Montreal
6.81989
MovieDramaComedy
A group of actors putting on an interpretive Passion Play in Montreal begin to experience a meshing of their characters and their private lives as the production takes form against the growing opposition of the Catholic church.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter