Complete credited cast: | |||
Cliff Robertson | ... | Charly Gordon | |
Claire Bloom | ... | Alice Kinnian | |
Lilia Skala | ... | Dr. Anna Straus | |
Leon Janney | ... | Dr. Richard Nemur | |
Ruth White | ... | Mrs. Apple | |
Dick Van Patten | ... | Bert - Lab Assistant (as Richard Van Patten) | |
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Edward McNally | ... | Gimpy - Bakery Worker (as Skipper McNally) |
Barney Martin | ... | Hank - Bakery Worker | |
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William Dwyer | ... | Joey - Bakery Worker |
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Dan Morgan | ... | Paddy - Bartender |
Charly is an adult male with a cognitive disability, struggling to survive in the modern world. His frequent attempts at learning, reading and writing prove difficult, and he is the subject of cruel pranks at the bakery where he does minor janitorial work. His teacher, Mrs. Kinnian, enrolls Charly in a clinical study where he is observed by a surgeon and a psychologist who have Charly "race" a mouse named Algernon, solving mazes. Algernon is usually the winner, thanks to an experiment involving brain proteins that greatly raised his intelligence. The experiment proceeds with surgery on Charly, who at first does not seem affected. However, he quickly becomes more logically advanced, soon becoming a pure genius. Emotional and intra-personal consequences are involved as Charly and his teacher become increasingly attached to one another. But when Charly gradually suspects the consequences of the experiment, he struggles with whether or not the procedure was a good idea. Written by Anonymous
The film is wonderful in many aspects. The acting is first-rate; Oscars usually aren't handed out on a whim. Cliff Robertson delivered the performance of his career in this film.
There are elements of science fiction and psychological action in the film. You have been warned. These segments are well done and add to the film as opposed to creating a negative side-track.
I suggest that anyone watching Charly first read at least part of Daniel Keyes's "Flowers for Algernon" for basic background. The film makes more sense after reading the novel.
All in all, Charly is a worthwhile experience. Some may not like the film, but I find it to be one of the best of the 1960s.