The Story of... The Day the Clown Cried(2016)

The Story of... The Day the Clown Cried is a documentary that explores one of cinema's most infamous lost films. Jewish comedian David Schneider examines exclusive behind-the-scenes material from Jerry Lewis's controversial 1972 project, a dark comedy about a clown in a concentration camp that was shelved for decades. The film remained largely unseen and became the subject of legend and debate among cinephiles. Through rare footage and candid insights, Schneider investigates why The Day the Clown Cried captured such notoriety, the creative tensions that surrounded its production, and its complicated legacy in Hollywood history. This documentary offers an intimate look at a film that challenged audiences and defied easy categorization, presenting a fascinating case study in artistic ambition, cultural sensitivity, and the stories we tell about cinema's most elusive works.