Limelight (1952)

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Director:

Charles Chaplin

Writers:

Charles Chaplin (story)
Charles Chaplin (screenplay)

Release Date:

29 October 1952 (Argentina)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

A fading comedian and a suicidally despondent ballet dancer must look to each other to find meaning and hope in their lives.

Plot Keywords:

Ballet Dancer | Ballet | Music Hall | 1910s | Man In Love

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 3 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Charles Chaplin	...	Calvero
Claire Bloom	...	Terry, a Dancer
Nigel Bruce	...	Postant, an Impresario
Buster Keaton	...	Calvero's Partner
Sydney Chaplin	...	Neville
Norman Lloyd	...	Bodalink
Andre Eglevsky	...	Dancer
Melissa Hayden	...	Dancer
Marjorie Bennett	...	Mrs. Alsop
Wheeler Dryden	...	Thereza's Doctor
Barry Bernard	...	John Redfern
Stapleton Kent	...	Claudius
Mollie Glessing	...	Maid
Leonard Mudie	...	Dr. Blake (as Leonard Mudi)
Loyal Underwood	...	Street Musician

Runtime:

137 min | USA:141 min (initial release) | UK:147 min (London premiere)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

Spain:T | West Germany:12 | Germany:6 (re-rating) | UK:U | Argentina:Atp | Australia:G | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl | USA:G (re-rating) | Canada:G (Quebec)

Filming Locations:

RKO-Pathé Studios - 9336 Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company:

Celebrated Productions

Trivia:

The final film that Charles Chaplin produced in America.

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: During the final comedy act, the pianist uses "polygrip" pliers to cut the piano-strings, which is impossible. To cut strings you need cutting pliers.

Quotes:

Calvero: There's something about working the streets I like. It's the tramp in me I suppose.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Next Stop, Greenwich Village (1976)

A touching story about a ballerina & a clown!

Charles Chaplin is, at least for me, the best film maker of all time. And Limelight is his best film. It is one of the 10 films I have given 100/100.

The film is about this old comedian who can't find himself a job. He saves a young girl who tried to commit suicide. Well, they become friends and stuff.

Simply the film is perfect. There is nothing bad I could say about it. Well, maybe the ballet scene was too long (but maybe I just can't concentrate enough). The script, the music, the actors, the whole philosophical structure of the film! They are all perfect. And the end of the film is something so beautiful that you really have to see it.

If there is one thing you have to see, make sure it'll be Chaplin's Limelight!