Chaplin (1992)

An elderly Charlie Chaplin discusses his autobiography with his editor, recounting his amazing journey from his poverty-stricken childhood to world-wide success after the ingenious invention of the Little Tramp.

Director:

Richard Attenborough

Writers:

David Robinson (book), Charles Chaplin (book)

Stars:

Robert Downey Jr., Geraldine Chaplin, Paul Rhys

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 16 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Downey Jr.	...	Charles Spencer Chaplin
Geraldine Chaplin	...	Hannah Chaplin
Paul Rhys	...	Sydney Chaplin
John Thaw	...	Fred Karno
Moira Kelly	...	Hetty Kelly / Oona O'Neill Chaplin
Anthony Hopkins	...	George Hayden
Dan Aykroyd	...	Mack Sennett
Marisa Tomei	...	Mabel Normand
Penelope Ann Miller	...	Edna Purviance
Kevin Kline	...	Douglas Fairbanks
Maria Pitillo	...	Mary Pickford
Milla Jovovich	...	Mildred Harris
Kevin Dunn	...	J. Edgar Hoover
Deborah Moore	...	Lita Grey (as Deborah Maria Moore)
Diane Lane	...	Paulette Goddard

Storyline

The biography of Charlie Chaplin, filmmaker extraordinaire. From his formative years in England to his highest successes in America, Chaplin's life, work, and loves are followed. While his screen characters were extremely hilarious, the man behind "The Little Tramp" was constantly haunted by a sense of loss.

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Plot Keywords:

film history | character name as title | charlie chaplin character | douglas fairbanks character | mary pickford character | 

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Taglines:

They tried to ruin his reputation and end his career. But no one could destroy the genius of Charlie Chaplin.

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for nudity and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Producer and director Sir Richard Attenborough's last name is mispronounced in the trailer as "Richard Attenburrow's Chaplin".

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Goofs

When Charlie's brother and others arrive to whisk Charlie and his unedited film away to Utah, the car screeches to a halt. However, the car is on a dirt track and therefore no screeching noise would actually be created.

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Quotes

[first lines]
George Hayden: Ha ha ha ha ha. Come on Charlie stop messing about, we really have to get down to it now. I just hope our friendship survives the day, that's all.
Charlie Chaplin: Ha George, don't be so melodramatic.
George Hayden: Well, it's your autobiography Charlie. And as your editor I have to tell you that parts of the manuscript are pretty vague, to say the least. I mean for instance, your mother. Now when did she first lose control? We need to know those facts.
Charlie Chaplin: It's hard to say. She could be so wonderful, on good days...

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Crazy Credits

The film ends with the final scene of The Circus (1928): Charlie Chaplin walks off into the distance.

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Alternate Versions

To receive a 12 certificate the original UK cinema version was cut to remove one use of 'fucking' (during Charlie's homecoming visit to a pub). Later releases were uncut and upgraded to a 15 rating.

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Connections

Spoofed in Tropic Thunder (2008)

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Soundtracks

POOR BUTTERFLY
Raymond Hubbell and John Golden

User Reviews

Intriguing look at Chaplin's life and early Hollywood

This is a great example of a movie I took a chance on one rainy Sunday at a theater in Charlotte, NC., and was highly rewarded with an intriguing look at the life of an early film star set against the background of early Hollywood. I had't heard much buzz about it and didn't really know much about Charlie Chaplin. Downey is amazing in his personification of Chaplin. If you want to expand your horizons and learn a little about the inside workings of the film industry from circa World War I thru the 50's, this award-winning movie comes highly recommended.

Details

Official Sites:

Instagram Official Site

Country:

UK France Italy Japan USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 January 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Chaplin

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles Theatre - 615 S. Broadway, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$31,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$84,669, 27 December 1992

Gross USA:

$9,493,259

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$9,493,259

Company Credits

Production Co:

Carolco Pictures, Japan Satellite Broadcasting (JBS), Canal+

Technical Specs

Runtime:

143 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1