The Clown (1953)

Once a famous Ziegfeld star, Dodo Delwyn, is reduced to playing clowns in burlesque and amusement parks as a result of his drinking. His son Little Dink idolizes Dodo and faithfully ... See full summary »

Director:

Robert Z. Leonard

Writers:

Frances Marion (story), Leonard Praskins (adaptation),

Stars:

Red Skelton, Jane Greer, Tim Considine

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Red Skelton	...	Dodo Delwyn
Jane Greer	...	Paula Henderson
Tim Considine	...	Dink Delwyn
Loring Smith	...	Benjamin Y. 'Goldie' Goldenson
Philip Ober	...	Ralph Z. Henderson
Lou Lubin	...	Little Julie
Fay Roope	...	Doctor Strauss
Walter Reed	...	Joe Hoagley
Eddie Marr	...	Television Director
Jonathan Cott	...	Floor Director
Don Beddoe	...	Gallagher
Steve Forrest	...	Young Man

Storyline

Once a famous Ziegfeld star, Dodo Delwyn, is reduced to playing clowns in burlesque and amusement parks as a result of his drinking. His son Little Dink idolizes Dodo and faithfully believes in a comeback. He persuades "Uncle" Goldie, Dodo's agent in the good old days, to find a booking for Dodo. He can't, and Dink is sent to live with his remarried-and-wealthy mother, Paula. The unhappy Dink runs back to his father. His welcome return gives Dodo the courage needed to try a knockabout TV show offered by Goldie.

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Plot Keywords:

clown | remake

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Taglines:

You'll cry...You'll laugh...You'll love it!

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 January 1953 (USA)

Also Known As:

O Palhaço

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In part for its obvious publicity value, MGM had interest in casting Jackie Cooper's son John in the role his father had created in The Champ some twenty years before. He was favorably screen-tested and was to be billed as "Jackie Cooper Jr." But his father, well-versed in the pitfalls of child acting, objected to obligating the boy to a contract with the studio. Young Cooper was only six anyway, and his age made the casting a stretch, despite the good screen test. Tim Considine, several years older, was selected.

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Connections

Remade as The Champ (1979)

User Reviews

"The Champ" remade as a clown story

Red Skelton plays Dodo Delwyn, a clown who has seen better days (and years...). He has a problem keeping jobs because of his drinking and he also has a big problem with gambling away the little money he does make when he works. This wouldn't be so bad if he was on his own, but he has a young son Dink (Tim Considine) tagging along with him. Add in the fact that Dink's mother suddenly appears and wants him back so she can give him a better life (she has married well..) and the fact that Dodo can't make any kind of life for a young boy and you see where this plot is headed. Dink is (miraculously, considering his record..) offered a TV show of his own to host. The year before (1951) Red has also started his own "Red Skelton Show" so this wasn't a stretch for Red. Will Dodo be able to handle a TV show? Will he and his son have the "big times" they dream of (A yellow convertible and a real house of their own..)? Essentially a remake of "The Champ" with a clown in the boxer's role. Red Skelton, along with Charlie Chaplin, is a master of pathos, and he is here at his best.