The Joker Is Wild (1957): cast, story & where to watch
1957 · Film · ★ 8.1
Released in 1957, The Joker Is Wild is a drama film directed by Charles Vidor, running about 126 minutes. “The Most Electric Performance That Ever Shocked and Fascinated an Audience!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Prohibition-era nightclub crooner Joe E. Lewis has his career and nearly his life cut short when his throat is slashed as payback for leaving the employ of Chicago mob boss Georgie Parker. A broken alcoholic, Joe is brought back from the abyss by his faithful piano player, Austin Mack, who helps turn the former singer into a successful stand-up comedian. But Joe's demons plague his romantic life even as he reaches new heights of success.
Who’s in it. The Joker Is Wild stars Frank Sinatra as Joe E. Lewis, Mitzi Gaynor as Martha Stewart, Jeanne Crain as Letty Page and Eddie Albert as Austin Mack, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 8.1/10, The Joker Is Wild sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Joker Is Wild page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Joker Is Wild tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Joker Is Wild (1957)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Joker Is Wild change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Joker Is Wild worth watching?
- The Joker Is Wild holds an audience score of 8.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in The Joker Is Wild?
- The Joker Is Wild stars Frank Sinatra, Mitzi Gaynor, Jeanne Crain, Eddie Albert and Beverly Garland.
- When was The Joker Is Wild released?
- The Joker Is Wild was released in 1957, with a runtime of about 126 minutes.