Frank Sinatra plays Joe E. Lewis, a nightclub singer in 1920s Chicago. He's headed to the top, and gets invited to sing at a swankier club, but the gangster who owns his current club doesn't want him to leave. He threatens his life repeatedly, but Joe won't listen, not even to his best friend who's worried for his safety. I don't want to give the story away, even though if you look up the film, you'll most likely read about it in the first sentence of the synopsis. But, I will warn you that this is an extremely heavy drama that's hard to watch, harder if you really like Frank Sinatra, and harder still because it's a true story. Something really bad happens to Joe, so prepare yourself.
In the wake of his tragedy, Joe's friends, played by Eddie Albert and Beverly Garland, stick by him. Sophie Tucker—playing herself in the film—gives him a break and helps him reinvent himself as a stand-up comic. Jeanne Crain plays a caring, classy beauty who falls in love with Joe despite his scars, on the inside and outside.
Frank Sinatra gives a wonderful performance in this film, and it's not hard to imagine we're seeing the real him during some scenes. The Joker Is Wild hit home for Sinatra in many ways. Not only was he friends with Joe E. Lewis in real life, and he knew intimately the ups and downs of show business—and other "businesses"—but he was extremely self-conscious of scars on his face. Putting yourself on display and hoping the audience will like you is one of the most nerve-wracking things a person can do. Both Joe and Frank knew the hardships of such a vulnerable vocation, they were both sensitive about their fears and flaws, and they were both, at times, told they drank too much.
If you love Frank Sinatra, you're going to want to watch this very well-acted drama. The very famous Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn song "All the Way" was written for the film and won the Oscar that year. However, if you love Frank Sinatra, this will be difficult for you to watch. Just prepare yourself and be sure to watch it with some good friends, or at least a comfy blanket and pillow.
In the wake of his tragedy, Joe's friends, played by Eddie Albert and Beverly Garland, stick by him. Sophie Tucker—playing herself in the film—gives him a break and helps him reinvent himself as a stand-up comic. Jeanne Crain plays a caring, classy beauty who falls in love with Joe despite his scars, on the inside and outside.
Frank Sinatra gives a wonderful performance in this film, and it's not hard to imagine we're seeing the real him during some scenes. The Joker Is Wild hit home for Sinatra in many ways. Not only was he friends with Joe E. Lewis in real life, and he knew intimately the ups and downs of show business—and other "businesses"—but he was extremely self-conscious of scars on his face. Putting yourself on display and hoping the audience will like you is one of the most nerve-wracking things a person can do. Both Joe and Frank knew the hardships of such a vulnerable vocation, they were both sensitive about their fears and flaws, and they were both, at times, told they drank too much.
If you love Frank Sinatra, you're going to want to watch this very well-acted drama. The very famous Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn song "All the Way" was written for the film and won the Oscar that year. However, if you love Frank Sinatra, this will be difficult for you to watch. Just prepare yourself and be sure to watch it with some good friends, or at least a comfy blanket and pillow.