Chaplin films

41. Monsieur Verdoux (1947)  Based on an idea by Orson Welles. A French gigolo marries and murders middle-aged women for money. Monsieur Verdoux (MV) was a critical and box office failure when released and its easy to see why. Labeled a "black comedy" its not much of a comedy - and the crime drama and social commentary (60 percent of the movie) isn't really compelling or interesting. Part of the problem is Chaplin as lead. While charming and likable he has a weak voice, and doesn't have the flair/charisma of a Sanders or Webb. Further, the movie seems confused, is it a serious study of a killer or a "comedy of murders"? Both "Arsenic and Old Lace" or "Kind Hearts and Cornets" make it clear we're watching comedy-fantasy, thereby allowing us to laugh at the killings but M. Verdoux is shown realistically as a cold-blooded killer. Other problems include Chaplin's old-fashioned direction, some truly awful supporting performances and an overlong two hour run-time. Summary - The highlight is Raye as the impossible to kill vulgar loudmouth - otherwise MV is a plodding mixture of wordplay, social commentary, and crime drama. For Chaplin fans only. Rating **

42. A King In New York (1957) Chaplin's attack on America and HUAC. A deposed King comes to New York to sell his plans for nuclear energy. Starts out well with some funny bits satirizing Hollywood films, Rock & Roll, and commercials but soon turns into a ponderous, unbelievable soap opera about a child who reads Marx and the HUAC persecution of his his communist teacher parents. In need of an editor, the film rambles on and on with Chaplin alternating between political speeches, soap-opera, and unfunny physical comedy. Given Chaplin's past genius, the film is astounding. The physical humor is awkward and crude - light years behind his previous stuff. Some of the writing is just as bad. Chaplin has his son speechify about Marx, HUAC, and passports - not as a satire of communist ideologues. - but to make serious political points! Filmed with the usual Chaplin "economy" in 4 weeks, his son is cast in the only significant supporting part and B-grade English actors play Americans. Summary: After the first 30 minutes - a bore. Rating **

43. The Great Dictator (1940)  Chaplin plays a double role -Dictator Hynkel and a little Jewish Barber. Paulette Goddard is a Jewish washerwoman and Jackie Oakie lends support as Italian Dictator Napoloni. There are 30 great funny minutes in "The Great Dictator" almost all of them revolving around Chaplin satire of Herr Hynkel (Hitler). The phony Hitler speeches, the scenes with "Napolini", playing with the globe like a beach ball. The rest of the movie is more serious and badly done. Shot in a primitive "silent era" style, Chaplin shows the Jewish persecution in a somewhat realistic fashion. But the transition from pogroms to pratfalls is jarring. And Chaplin undermines the seriousness by casting "golly gee-whiz" Americans as both the Jews and Stormtroopers while the brown California hills rise above the "Jewish Ghetto." Finally, the ending six minute serious speech is boring and naive. Otis Ferguson compared it to an out-of-date New Republic Editorial. Note: Based on recent biography, it seems Chaplin actually gave the speech to the CPUSA for approval and editing. Summary: A great 30 minutes satirizing Hitler but the rest of the film is dull. Rating **1/2

44. Limelight (1952) A fading comedian and a suicidal ballet dancer must look to each other to find meaning and hope in their lives. My favorite of the Chaplin talkies. Chaplin forgoes social commentary and "cleverness" and returns to his British music hall roots. Unlike "Great Dictator" and "M. Verdoux" Chaplin does an excellent job of balancing comedy & drama - he is funny onstage and serious off. While Chaplin shines as the old comic trying to terms with a declining career and old age, Keaton, Bloom and Bruce are also good. Flaws? Too long. with the usual old-fashioned Chaplin direction and cheap production values. Summary: I would've loved more Keaton but its still Chaplin's best talkie, a well done sentimental and bittersweet story. Rating ***

45. Modern Times (1936) His last silent movie. I thought 20 minutes of the Film are simply brilliant. The roller skate scene, the end, the tramp picking up a red flag, etc. But the rest of the movies' 87 minutes bored me. A lot of broad physical unfunny comedy - and Chaplin' overdoes the sentiment. The much praised singing waiter scene annoyed me. Rating **1/2