IMDb > Limelight (1952)
Limelight
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Limelight (1952) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
7.9/10   5,139 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 7% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Charles Chaplin (story)
Charles Chaplin (screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for Limelight on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
29 October 1952 (Argentina) more
Genre:
Plot:
A fading comedian and a suicidally despondent ballet dancer must look to each other to find meaning and hope in their lives. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 3 wins & 2 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(4 articles)
Actor Sydney Chaplin, Son Of Charles Chaplin, Dead At Age 82
 (From CinemaRetro. 9 March 2009, 3:39 PM, PDT)

Chaplin's Son Dead
 (From WENN. 5 March 2009, 5:35 PM, PST)

User Comments:
A fantastic movie about an old and washed-up clown who meets a young and troubled ballerina. more (64 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

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
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Additional Details

Runtime:
137 min | USA:141 min (initial release) | UK:147 min (London premiere)
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (RCA Sound System)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
British music hall comedians Charlie Hall and Charley Rogers have small parts in the film. more
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. more
Quotes:
Terry: Worms can't smile!
Calvero: Oh, how would you know, have you ever appealed to their sense of humour?
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Next Stop, Greenwich Village (1976) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
15 out of 17 people found the following comment useful.
A fantastic movie about an old and washed-up clown who meets a young and troubled ballerina., 14 January 1999
Author: anonymous from Ontario, Canada

This was the first and only Chaplin film I have ever seen -- and it wasn't at all what I was expecting.

I was completely surprised that such a simple film could have so many layers of depth. In fact it kept me thinking days afterwards!

At it's core, I would say this movie is about the love of one's art, and the love that a couple share.

The Ballerina loves to perform but is impeded by a psychosis that makes her legs inoperable. I interpret success to be the root of the psychosis.

The Clown loves to perform but is impeded by his fear of becoming a B or C-list star. He is a legendary comedian and now that he's no longer in demand, he's convinced himself that he has to drink to be funny.

There you have it; a clown afraid of failure and a ballerina afraid of success. Together they help each other love their art more by removing those things that impede them.

The best thing about the film is that the obviousness of the plot is completely lost in the depth of the film. Chaplin uses such simple and common devices to draw the audience into his world. I know it's hard to belive, but this is a "must-see" movie!

Was the above comment useful to you?
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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Limelight (1952)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
What nationality is Calvero? giona
more than a perfect ten bwpbleak
I am looking for a song til-angie
Favorite Move of All Time timandkeely
A non-spoiler tip for fellow Keaton fans: prognathous
Looking for a recording of the original score.... bwpbleak
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