Bor .... ing ! One of the few movies I walked out on when it played in the theater. Could never figure out the reason for Balsam's character who pops in and out at various times for no apparent reason. It doesn't even deserve one star, but there is no zero star rating. Save your time and money.
They might put him in with a whole family of listmakers! So many of the reviews already posted have begun with one of the one-liners of which this film is full. I think it is a fabulous film, though some might find it a little dated in some ways, but to me this has never mattered. For people who love Murray, as I do,to know how they feel about this film is to know something about them which is hard to put into words. I spent years trying to find it on video, particularly in a format I can watch in Britain, where i now live. I eventually came to the conclusion it must never have been released here. I now have a video player on which I can watch it, but hope the DVD which is coming will be in a format I can use.
Here's to you, Irving R. Feldman!
The classic of comedy Not only funny - this movie can teach you the art of comedy! Classic and indispensable to the theater artist and student of comedy.
"Nick, you can't have too many eagles!" Although I was born in '53, somehow I managed not to see this movie until '97. I was amazed by the quality of the acting and directing, as well as the humor and depth of the screenplay. It is simply one of the best movies I have ever seen. I agree with the other reviewers that it is a crime A Thousand Clowns is not available on DVD. It should be in the Criterion Collection, and given the full restoration treatment. Considering the garbage that has been transfered to DVD already, one can only hope that this gem will not remain forgotten.
The First Hippie... This film is lauded on so many levels, there's not a whole lot more to say. I saw this in its initial release (1965), and it was so powerful that I developed my own attitude toward life (at a mere 16 years old). There are really no bad guys; rather, it's the "system" that creates the problems (and things have only gotten worse). Since its merits have been well-examined, I think it's most interesting that, with the exception of "Lilies of the Field" (1963), 1965 was the year of the Indie. "Darling" and "1000 Clowns" were both surprise nominees for Best Picture. Both won acting awards. Unfortunately, Robards' performance was overlooked, and that is only another Oscar travesty. The film was nominated for Herb Gardner's adaptation of his play, and won Martin Balsam an Oscar, if only for one terrific scene in which he expresses his function and worth in the world at large. Barbara Harris and, especially, Barry Gordon, are excellent. With amazingly insightful direction from Fred Coe, there is no end of enjoyment and life-lessons, with Mr. Gardner's rapid-fire dialogue blowing one's mind. With "The Sound of Music", "Doctor Zhivago" and "Ship of Fools" all vying for an Oscar, the fact that the Academy included this on their short-list must make a statement. This is most highly recommended, and the film and its public are screaming for a DVD. I'm wondering, whatever happened to Fred Coe? He created a landmark, ground-breaking film achievement, and should be very proud.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
