The most likely reason for a viewer to dislike this film is that he/she is expecting one of America's funniest comedians appearing in a film entitled "The Clown" to be in a comedy movie. And, there are belly laughs galore here. Yet, this is a drama (or as MGM appropriately billed it, a "tragicomedy"). The story is about a washed-up ex-Ziegfeld star (Red Skelton) who has stooped to taking bit parts at parties and amusement parks. He's a bit of an alcoholic, and it's his little boy (Tim Considine) taking care of the adult that is the crux of the plot. So, it's about a clown, which means there is a great deal of comedy WITHIN the plot. But, the plot is about a fallen man who is given a second chance, but dies before its fruition, leaving the little boy to go back to his estranged mother. Wow...definitely not a comedy.
But, that's exactly the point. This remake of "The Champ" (a boxing story) is a tear-jerker, and I imagine it appealed to Skelton as a change from his usual film plots. He does a great job here in a serious role, and he deserves a great deal of credit for being able to master both uproarious comedy with deep pathos in the same film...not an easy task.
There are three other wonderful performances here. Tim Considine, only 13, is simply wonderful as the boy/son. It is rare that a child star has turned in such a fine performance. Loring Smith as "Uncle" Goldie -- a theatrical agent -- provides a very sympathetic turn here. Smith performed in show business for 65 years! And Jane Greer, as the ex-wife, is wonderfully sympathetic here in a role which could easily been overdone. She hits the mark.
A highlight of the film are parts of performances that Skelton fans will be glad to see. Part of the ballet sequence from an earlier MGM film is among Red's most hilarious. Television viewers from the 1950s and 1960s will remember the stairs routine and, particularly, the topsy turvy skit -- the full skits are not here, but enough to give one an idea of just how hilarious Skelton was on television.
I give this film high marks, and it has a place on my DVD shelf!
But, that's exactly the point. This remake of "The Champ" (a boxing story) is a tear-jerker, and I imagine it appealed to Skelton as a change from his usual film plots. He does a great job here in a serious role, and he deserves a great deal of credit for being able to master both uproarious comedy with deep pathos in the same film...not an easy task.
There are three other wonderful performances here. Tim Considine, only 13, is simply wonderful as the boy/son. It is rare that a child star has turned in such a fine performance. Loring Smith as "Uncle" Goldie -- a theatrical agent -- provides a very sympathetic turn here. Smith performed in show business for 65 years! And Jane Greer, as the ex-wife, is wonderfully sympathetic here in a role which could easily been overdone. She hits the mark.
A highlight of the film are parts of performances that Skelton fans will be glad to see. Part of the ballet sequence from an earlier MGM film is among Red's most hilarious. Television viewers from the 1950s and 1960s will remember the stairs routine and, particularly, the topsy turvy skit -- the full skits are not here, but enough to give one an idea of just how hilarious Skelton was on television.
I give this film high marks, and it has a place on my DVD shelf!