Limelight (1952)

Directed by Charlie Chaplin. Starring Charlie Chaplin, Claire Bloom, Sydney Chaplin, Norman Lloyd, Nigel Bruce, Marjorie Bennett, Buster Keaton, André Eglevsky. [G]

Washed-up stage performer and clown Calvero (Charlie Chaplin) prevents neighbor Bloom from committing suicide, and as their relationship grows, she is convinced to resume her dancing career and he embarks on a comeback effort. This eloquent seriocomedy is too lacking in originality to really succeed as a dramatic picture, and the comedic moments are a bit too scant over its long running time to score as a belly-laugher; as is, a relatively pleasant and moving diversion in need of tightening and more nuance through action rather than dialogue, but featuring fine performances, especially from its lead attraction. Also provides an opportunity to see silent comedy greats Chaplin and Keaton onscreen together for the first and only time (pity it had to wait until they were both entering the twilight of their careers). Heavily-boycotted upon its release (due to Chaplin’s personal life and political views) and not screened in Los Angeles until 1972, which is the requirement for Academy Award eligibility; it subsequently won Chaplin the only competitive Oscar of his career for his music scoring. In addition to Sydney Chaplin having an important supporting part, several of Chaplin’s children make brief uncredited appearances, including Geraldine in her first screen role.

67/100