Clowning Around

I finished watching this prodction last night; 1st time in like 27 years ! (Think it was shown on UK TV in 1992).

Sim, a young Austraian orphan, pursues his unlikely dream of becoming a circus clown, against his foster father's desire for him to become a mechanic. Despite his community telling him to 'grow up' and pursue a 'real' career, he adamantly perseveres and becomes a successful clown in a French circus.

An interesting selection of 'random' unknown actors; only one I know of otherwise in Ernie Dingo of Crocodile Dundee / Heartbreak High fame. Classic theme tune; a tad dramatic & menacing, yet jokey too. I also like the intimate portrayal of Sim's clown act in everyday life. Everytime you see him in his personal life, he's baring something clown realted (a hat, braces, baggy britches, Circus poster, etc.), thus portraying clowning as more than just an act.

So I'll give this 9/10 for being cheap and cheerful, intimate and charming, and a general thumbs up produciton for us early 90s kids !

This is a nice, enjoyable film. But I'll admit that the only reason I've seen it is because my mum has a cameo role as the lady who walks next to the mean lady who takes the boy when he is young.

The performances are strong in this film, but I'm sure it didn't have to be as long as it was. The French circus finale' isn't bad at all, but along the way, I'm sure children may get a bit bored. Although for a younger audience, and older audience may take it in a little better.

Anyway it's worth a watch. I only ever saw parts of Clowning Around 2.