Limelight (1952)

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

Director:

Charles Chaplin

Writers:

Charles Chaplin (original story), Charles Chaplin (screenplay by)

Stars:

Charles Chaplin, Claire Bloom, Nigel Bruce

Won 1 Oscar. Another 6 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Charles Chaplin	...	Calvero
Claire Bloom	...	Thereza 'Terry' Ambrose
Nigel Bruce	...	Postant
Buster Keaton	...	Calvero's Partner
Sydney Chaplin	...	Neville
Norman Lloyd	...	Bodalink
Andre Eglevsky	...	Dancer - Harlequin
Melissa Hayden	...	Dancer - Columbine
Marjorie Bennett	...	Mrs. Sybil Alsop
Wheeler Dryden	...	Thereza's Doctor
Barry Bernard	...	John Redfern - Calvero's Agent
Stapleton Kent	...	Claudius
Molly Glessing	...	Maid (as Mollie Glessing)
Leonard Mudie	...	Dr. Blake - Calvero's Doctor (as Leonard Mudi)
Loyal Underwood	...	Street Musician

Storyline

Chaplin's final American film tells the story of a fading music hall comedian's effort to help a despondent ballet dancer learn both to walk and feel confident about life again. The highlight of the film is the classic duet with Chaplin's only real artistic film comedy rival, Buster Keaton.

---

Plot Keywords:

music hall | clown | vaudeville | older man younger woman relationship | recovering alcoholic | 

---

Taglines:

It will move you to love, laughter and tears

---

Genres:

Drama | Music | Romance

---

Certificate:

G

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film is part of the Criterion Collection, spine #756.

---

Goofs

During the final comedy act, the pianist's chair changes between shots.

---

Quotes

Calvero: How do I look?
Terry: [can see he was drinking] Funny.
Calvero: I know what you're thinking, my health and all that. But there's a creamy white light going on and off inside.
Terry: Is it really worth it?
Calvero: Not that I care for success, but I don't want another failure.

---

Crazy Credits

"The glamour of limelight, from which age must pass as youth enters."

---

Alternate Versions

The version of the film that premiered in London in 1952 ran 141 minutes. It had been in distribution for several months, when Chaplin recalled film prints and deleted a scene in which Calvero leaves the sleeping Thereza, and goes to a bar, where he meets his old friend Claudius, the armless violin player, who gives Calvero money. The film ran 137 minutes after this scene was edited out for worldwide distribution. In the ending credits, there is still a billing for Stapleton Kent as Claudius, even though he is no longer seen in the film. The DVD includes the deleted scene as an extra feature.

---

Connections

Referenced in Chaplin Today: Monsieur Verdoux (2003)

---

Soundtracks

Spring Is Here
(1952) (uncredited)
Music and Lyrics by Charles Chaplin
Performed by Charles Chaplin

User Reviews

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!

Details

Official Sites:

Instagram

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 October 1952 (France)

Also Known As:

Les feux de la rampe

Filming Locations:

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

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$7,506

Company Credits

Production Co:

Charles Chaplin Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

137 min 141 min (initial release) 147 min (London premiere)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1