Book Review: Clowns in Horror

This latest book from McFarland, written by Glenn Tolle, explores an area of horror cinema that is alternately fascinating and bemusing to this reviewer.  Clowns in Horror is a solid, thorough reference that lists all of the horror movies and TV shows in which clowns are the central figures. 

For those of us who are older, and grew up when clowns were funny characters beloved by children, the idea of being frightened of them is what’s bemusing.  From Bozo to Ronald McDonald, clowns of the 50s and 60s would appear at carnivals, birthday parties, and advertisements for products, delighting children with their humorous performances and characters.  It is a fairly recent reaction, buoyed by Stephen King’s 1986 novel It, which became a TV mini series in 1990 and made into a feature film in 2017. 

Tolle’s reference covers both movies and television with an alphabetical list, each entry including annotation.  It is really a very interesting, enlightening reference that offers a good amount of information for each entry.

Along with the main text, Rolle’s book has a a thoroughgoing introduction where he traces the history of clowns, discusses their role as beloved characters for amusement, and just why they have become dark and scary.

Clowns In Horror is a truly excellent book, taking sub-genre within the framework horror film and television, giving it focused attention and providing a great deal of facts and assessments.

The book is available for order at this link:  Clowns