4 Clowns is a 1970 documentary compilation film written and directed by Robert Youngson that studies the golden age of comedy through a compilation of rare silent film footage of the works of Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Charley Chase and Buster Keaton.

[1][3] Narrated by Jay Jackson, the film concentrates on the works of Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Charley Chase, and Buster Keaton.

Also seen in the excerpted films are actors Jean Arthur, Lori Bara, T. Roy Barnes, Bartine Burkett, Rosalind Byrne, Erwin Connelly, Jules Cowles, Doris Deane, Hazel Deane, Kay Deslys, Ruth Dwyer, Snitz Edwards, Connie Evans, Edith Fellows, Anita Garvin, Eugenia Gilbert, Charlie Hall, Edna Hammon, Marion Harlan, Jean C. Havez, Leatrice Joy, Edgar Kennedy, Barbara Kent, Judy King, Lucien Littlefield, Edna Marion, Billy Quirk, Frances Raymond, Viola Richard, Constance Talmadge, Pauline Toller, Billy West, and Noah Young.

After Robert Youngson completed 4 Clowns, distribution rights were acquired by 20th Century-Fox in May 1970, and a release date was set.

[7] Leonard Maltin stated that the film was one of the best of Robert Youngson's compilations,[8] and as it contained excerpts from "some of the best silent comedy ever", it was "a must for viewers of all ages.