Frances Marion's story, "The Champ" (1931), is dusted off and dragged out for viewers in 1953, in the midst of Red Skelton's popular TV show. Skelton plays "Dodo," a clown living with his son, "Dink," the same name as in the original version. It's no longer the Great Depression; it's the prosperous 1950s, but Dodo is still broke, his career as a clown largely extinct. Dink's mother (Jane Greer) wants her boy back to share her prosperity, in a nice living room equipped with a TV set. Aroused to action, Dodo makes a comeback. Will he make it to ratings heaven or get knocked out trying? It takes 5 extra minutes, but if we can stay upright, we get our answer.
Review of The Clown
