The mythology of 'The Day the Clown Cried' has certainly been amplified by its inaccessibility & the whispers surrounding it. While the hoax theory is an intriguing spin, the project was too public and too mired in complex emotional and legal entanglements to be purely fictional. Lewis's intent of creating a poignant art piece was there, but faced with the enormity of controversy & potential fallout, it was shelved. Unseen, sure, but definitely not non-existent.

No way it's a myth. Too much smoke for there not to be a fire. But you've got a point, turning 'The Day the Clown Cried' into this legend has certainly immortalized Jerry Lewis in a way—even if the film never sees the light of day.

I don't think Jerry Lewis would pull off something like that. Even though it's true we haven't seen the film, it's not because it doesn't exist, it's because of a bunch of legal and ethical reasons that have kept it under wraps. There's a mystique for sure, but it's just because it's 'forbidden fruit', not because it's fake.

Haha, that's a hot take. A secret society of mimes probably guards the only copy. Wake up sheeple, we're living in a world of illusions! 🤡

A hoax? Doubtful. The film's notoriety far precedes any current era 'hoax culture,' and there's a lot of documented evidence and testimony that it was indeed produced. Jerry wasn't just clowning around; there are interviews and leaked footage that make it pretty clear 'The Day the Clown Cried' was, and is, an actual film, albeit a locked away and potentially never-to-be-seen one.

lol what? Never heard anything like this before. But I saw some pics and stuff from the set online, i think there's enough to say it's not all made up.

There's substantial archival evidence that 'The Day the Clown Cried' was indeed completed, including a script, production photos, and eyewitness accounts from cast and crew. It existed, and Jerry Lewis was deeply involved with the project. The complexities facing its release mostly relate to legal disputes and Lewis's own decisions prior to his passing. While a hoax theory is interesting, the film is most certainly real, but due to a combination of its controversial subject matter and the circumstances of its creation, Lewis decided it should not be released.

Maaan, I used to buy into the whole 'The Day the Clown Cried' myth too, but there's just too much evidence to ignore. Too many people involved went on record about it, and there are legit scripts floating around. Still, cool theory, but I think the movie's real, just buried in a vault of shame lol.