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IMDbPro

The Clown

  • 19531953
  • ApprovedApproved
  • 1h 31m
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
467
YOUR RATING
Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
Official Trailer
Play trailer2:59
1 Video
13 Photos
ComedyDrama
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 him and faithfully believes i... Read allOnce 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 him and faithfully believes in a comeback. He persuades "Uncle" Goldie, Dodo's agent in the good old days, to find a bo... Read allOnce 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 him 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 P... Read all
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
467
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Robert Z. Leonard
  • Writers
    • Frances Marion(story)
    • Leonard Praskins(adaptation)
    • Martin Rackin(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Red Skelton
    • Jane Greer
    • Tim Considine
  • Director
    • Robert Z. Leonard
  • Writers
    • Frances Marion(story)
    • Leonard Praskins(adaptation)
    • Martin Rackin(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Red Skelton
    • Jane Greer
    • Tim Considine
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 17User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    The Clown
    Trailer 2:59
    Watch The Clown

    Photos13

    Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
    Tim Considine and Jane Greer in The Clown (1953)
    Tim Considine and Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
    Tim Considine and Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
    Tim Considine, Jane Greer, and Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
    Tim Considine, Ned Glass, Sandra Gould, and Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
    Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
    Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
    Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
    Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
    Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)
    Tim Considine and Red Skelton in The Clown (1953)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Red Skelton
    Red Skelton
    • Dodo Delwyn
    Jane Greer
    Jane Greer
    • Paula Henderson
    Tim Considine
    Tim Considine
    • Dink Delwyn
    Loring Smith
    Loring Smith
    • Benjamin Y. 'Goldie' Goldenson
    Philip Ober
    Philip Ober
    • Ralph Z. Henderson
    Lou Lubin
    Lou Lubin
    • Little Julie
    Fay Roope
    Fay Roope
    • Dr. Strauss
    Walter Reed
    Walter Reed
    • Joe Hoagley
    Eddie Marr
    Eddie Marr
    • Television Director
    Jonathan Cott
    Jonathan Cott
    • Floor Director
    Don Beddoe
    Don Beddoe
    • Gallagher
    Steve Forrest
    Steve Forrest
    • Young Man
    Monya Andre
    • Convention Dinner Guest
    • (uncredited)
    David Bair
    • TV Pageboy
    • (uncredited)
    Billy Barty
    Billy Barty
    • Billy - Coney Island Midget
    • (uncredited)
    Mary Bayless
    • Convention Dinner Guest
    • (uncredited)
    Hal Bell
    • TV Cameraman
    • (uncredited)
    Linda Bennett
    • Judy Henderson
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Robert Z. Leonard
    • Writers
      • Frances Marion(story)
      • Leonard Praskins(adaptation)
      • Martin Rackin(screenplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The ballet sequence in this film is taken from "Bathing Beauty", a 1944 MGM musical in which Red starred opposite Esther Williams
    • Goofs
      After Dodo talks to Henderson in the hallway about Dink, Dodo goes to open the door to his apartment twice between shots.
    • Connections
      Edited from Bathing Beauty (1944)

    User reviews17

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    5/10
    Just an excuse to show off Red's dramatic chops...
    Reworking of 1931's "The Champ" is a predictable father-son wallow permeated with self-pity...but you have to expect that with this formula. Story of an ex-Ziegfeld comedian who has fallen on hard times provides the perfect opportunity for Red Skelton to stretch some dramatic muscles, and he does not disappoint. Plus, his relationship with young Tim Considine is well-played, and the surrounding milieu of nightclubs and talent agencies is fairly believable. Still, this script really goes out on a limb to give Skelton's Dodo an even break (landing a TV gig!), and the heartache inherent in the finale is telegraphed from miles away. ** from ****
    helpful•8
    3
    • moonspinner55
    • Aug 20, 2009

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 16, 1953 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Klovn
    • Filming locations
      • Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA(Studio)
    • Production company
      • Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $887,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 31 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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