Shakes the Clown is a 1991 dark comedy directed by and starring Bobcat Goldthwait. The film is set in the fictional town of Palookaville, and centers around the lives of a group of alcoholic and dysfunctional clowns.
The film's protagonist, Shakes, is a hard-drinking, chain-smoking, foul-mouthed clown who works birthday parties and small events to earn a living. He is unhappily in love with Judy, a waitress at a local dive bar. His rival and fellow clown, Binky, is more successful in his career, and has landed a spot as the host of "Smile Time," a popular children's television show.
When Binky is found dead, Shakes becomes the prime suspect, and must clear his name and find the true culprit. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a group of feminist clown activists, a gang of mimes, and a psycho magician.
Shakes the Clown is a satirical commentary on the dark side of clown culture and alcoholism. The film features a mix of physical comedy, dark humor, and social commentary, and has become a cult favorite among fans of alternative comedy.