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Promoted with tongue in cheek as "The Citizen Kane of clown movies," this low-budget comedy annoyed critics and puzzled audiences -- but in the nine years since its initial release Shakes the Clown has attracted a substantial cult following. Stand-up comic Bobcat Goldthwait wrote and directed Shakes as a starring vehicle for himself. As an alcoholic, down-on-his-luck clown whose hopes for a comeback are dashed when he's framed for murder, he's endearingly subversive; his irreverent performance even gives the movie an edgy quality. Wisely, Goldthwait also relies on the talents -- underutilized, in some cases -- of a funny and gifted supporting cast that includes Julie Brown, Adam Sandler, Sydney Lassick, Paul Dooley, Tom Kenny, Florence Henderson, and -- in a hilarious turn as a mime teacher -- Robin Williams. An easy picture to underestimate, Shakes the Clown has nuggets of black humor that will richly reward viewers who have the patience to mine for them. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

This black comedy chronicles the fall of one of the world's most unlovable clowns as he plies his trade and tries to survive in Palukaville a town where everyone is more or less a Bozo. Shakes loves women and more than that, he loves his booze. Like many of his painted peers, ol' Shakes likes to hang out at The Twisted Balloon, the favorite local pub where he hoists a few, beats up on mimes (the lowest caste in Palukaville) and causes trouble with his girl friend Judy, a woman who cannot say the letter "L." Because the slovenly Shakes can't seem to make it to birthday parties sober and on time, he is fired from his booking agency, causing him to go on a big drinking binge. Later, Shakes awakens and learns that Binky, a lousy TV-clown, is framing him for beating up Shake's former boss with a juggling pin. Now poor Shakes must clear his name. He must also rescue "Juwee" who has been kidnapped by the nefarious Binky, and he must come to grips with his alcohol problem (perhaps the film could be therefore titled "Clown and Sober?"). Keep an eye peeled for cameos by Robin Williams, as a mime instructor, and Florence Henderson as one of Shake's illicit sexual conquests. Sandra Brennan

Product Details

• UPC: 043396040625
• Source: SONY PICTURES
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Theatre Wide-Screen (1.85.1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital, stereo
• Language: English, Español
• Subtitles: English, Español
• Time: 1:27:00
• Sales Rank: 6,625

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