A Thousand Clowns

A Thousand Clowns
Theatrical release poster
Directed byFred Coe
Screenplay byHerb Gardner
Based onA Thousand Clowns
by Herb Gardner
Produced byFred Coe
Herb Gardner (associate producer)
Ralph Rosenblum (associate producer)
StarringJason Robards
Barbara Harris
Martin Balsam
Barry Gordon
CinematographyArthur J. Ornitz
Edited byRalph Rosenblum
Music byGerry Mulligan
Don Walker
Distributed byUnited Artists
Release date
  • December 13, 1965 (1965-12-13)
Running time
116 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$1 million
Box office$2.4 million (Rentals)

A Thousand Clowns is a 1965 American comedy-drama film directed by Fred Coe and starring Jason Robards, Barbara Harris, Martin Balsam, and Barry Gordon. The script was adapted by Herb Gardner from his 1962 play of the same name. The film tells the story of an eccentric comedy writer who is forced to conform to society to retain legal custody of his nephew.

Jason Robards, Barry Gordon, William Daniels, and Gene Saks all reprised their roles from the original 1962 Broadway production. Martin Balsam won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film.