Is Leave 'Em Laughing Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1981)
Real-life clown Jack Thum, along with his devoted wife, Shirlee, cared for dozens of homeless children — 37 of them over the years — in the Chicago area, all of whom come back to v...
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama, TV Movie cinema, then Leave 'Em Laughing offers a fresh and engaging experience that justifies its existence in the 1981 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
📖 The Core Premise
Leave 'Em Laughing returns to the screen in 1981, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Real-life clown Jack Thum, along with his devoted wife, Shirlee, cared for dozens of homeless children — 37 of them over the years — in the Chicago area, all of whom come back to visit when they discover he's terminally ill."
🎬 Performance & Direction
A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Mickey Rooney shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.
🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)
Is Leave 'Em Laughing worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1981, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.
🏆 Final Verdict
Ultimately, Leave 'Em Laughing is a solid addition to the genre.
With a runtime of 98 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.
Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.