Shakes the Clown (1992)

More Fun than a Car Full of Clowns

I saw this movie on VHS years ago and enjoyed it. I finally got the DVD and found that I love it even more now. The acting is definitely sub-par (overall), but the movie is original and genuinely funny throughout. I'm not really sure if Goldthwait was trying for poignant (if he was, he missed, albeit slightly), but there is something darkly funny about a clown society, stratified into social layers (rodeo clowns are the toughest, mimes--who are admittedly non-clowns--are the wimpiest, and party clowns are the regular joes). Others have summarized the plot, so I won't bother, but I will encourage you to give this film a chance. You may hate it, but where else will you see Florence Henderson as a floozy and LaWanda Page comment on the sexual practices of Sydney Lassick? February 26, 2008

Right Up My Rat-Infested, Garbage-Strewn Alley

A review quoted on the VHS box calls "Shakes" "the 'Citizen Kane' of alcoholic clown movies." With a rave like that, how can you go wrong, particularly if you're the type of person who loves coarse, scatological, and downright juvenile humor (as I unashamedly do)? Bobcat Goldthwaite turns in a bravura performance (he should, he wrote the screenplay) as a second-rate, besotted "party clown" with an attitude. When he's wrongfully framed for the murder of a promoter by his evil, clown rival, Binky, Shakes gets sober and mean and in touch with his inner Bozo to clear his name and bring rough justice. Julie "Downtown" Brown, plays his patient and ditzy-but-smarter than-her-man love interest. Cameos by Florence Henderson (think Mrs. Brady with running clown make-up after a one-nighter with Shakes), the late Lawanda Page ("Aunt Esther" from Sanford & Son) (another clown lush with the raunchiest lines in the film), Robin Williams (appearing in the credits under the nom de guerre of "Marty Fromage" [heck, I'd be embarrassed, too] as a mime instuctor) lend "gravitas" to an otherwise lightweight cast. Said cast includes Adam Sandler, in a supporting role as a clown side-kick to Shakes. Who knew he would go on to win Drew Barrymore's heart playing the fool minus the red nose and white face as a wedding singer?

The "plot" (such as it is) takes place in - and the film's entire premise is - a clown "town" where virtually all the citizens are either party clowns, rodeo clowns or mimes. Rodeo clowns rule, while mimes are beaten up for sport by everyone else as the bottom of the clown heap. Now, you might ask yourself: "Is this supposed to be some form of 'deep social commentary' a la Werner Herzog's 'Even Dwarfs Started Small'?" Get real! There is zero in this film that any sane person could, should or would take seriously. But that's the charm.

Confidentially, I've always found clowns to be sinister, hidden-agenda types; but "Shakes" was right up my rat-infested, garbage-strewn alley, AND it cured me of my clown hang-ups. I have foisted it, reverentially but insistently, on many a friend -- some of whom actually remained friends after they watched "Shakes". So waste a few bucks and a perfectly good evening. And it helps to be half in the bag yourself. Cult classic, indeed.
June 27, 2007

Shaky at Best

Two stars because there's some good stuff in here. What a shame not to capitalize on such a brilliant opportunity for comedy. Some of the good gags show the potential for what could have been one of the funniest movies ever made. This concept is so fertile that the producers should have hired a team of writers to support Bobcat's script. Too bad, Bobcat could have knocked it out of the park with this one. One viewing is enough for me. Even so, there are scenes I'll never forget. Worth the effort of re-make. Maybe next time they'll use some former Seinfeld writers. June 10, 2007

How to love a drunken clown

One of my favorite movies on Laser disk starred Bobcat Goldthwait and Julie Brown, with an un-credited appearance by Robin Williams. Finally, Shakes the Clown is available on DVD. I was disappointed with the deleted scenes, and lack of 5.1 surround sound; but still, from the opening scene of a boy pissing on Shakes' face, to the final pandemonium in the television studio, Shakes the Clown is a funny, sometimes outstanding, look at the world of, well, drunken clowns! My favorite part has to do with the intense hatred the clowns harbor for mimes,(I mean, really, who needs 'em!). The fight scene in the park, with the shout "Learn to Talk", is priceless. The obvious discomfort when Shakes must pose as a mime to avoid arrest is also a blast! Over all, although somewhat dated in relevance, Shakes the Clown is a movie I would strongly recommend to anyone who,you know, hates clowns. And anyone else over 14! April 4, 2007

Great trans, REALLY fast shipping

Got the video long before other items ordered from separate vendors in same transaction. Condition as promised. All around good process March 8, 2007

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