Limelight (1952)

Regista:

Charles Chaplin

Writers:

Charles Chaplin (story)
Charles Chaplin (screenplay)

Data di uscita:

29 ottobre 1952 (Argentina)

Genere:

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:

Dreaming | Ballet Dancer | Poetry | Ballerina | Mistaken For Prostitute

Premi:

Won Oscar. Another 3 wins & 2 nominations

Recensioni degli utenti:

A final reflective masterpiece

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

Alias:

Luci della ribalta (Italy) [it]

Durata:

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

Nazionalità:

USA

Lingua:

Inglese

Colore:

Bianco e nero

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sonoro:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Divieti:

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

Luoghi delle riprese:

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

Company:

Celebrated Productions

Curiosità:

The final film that Charles Chaplin produced in America.

Errori:

Continuity: When Calvero has returned to the flat after his failure to revive his career at the Middlesex Music Hall, Thereza is sitting in an armchair, which has a blanket draped over the back. For most of the scene, when you see her in close-up, the blanket is folded over the middle of the chair-back, and so part of the chair-back is visible. In the long shots, however, the blanket is unfolded and draped fully, covering the chair-back. Towards the end of the scene of Calvero and Thereza's conversation, this is fixed so that the blanket is always folded and draped over the middle.

Citazioni:

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

Movie Connections:

Citato in Bruce Almighty (2003)

A final reflective masterpiece

A washed-up, formerly-famous Music Hall comic, Charlie Chaplin, saves a suicidal ballerina, Claire Bloom. In the process of giving her the hope to move on and succeed, he regains the confidence to return to the stage himself.

"Limelight" is a moving and autobiographical film that works as both a bittersweet drama and a mirror into the soul of one of the world's greatest film makers. I sometimes wondered if my affection for this film is based on my knowledge of Chaplin's life and career, and the parallels between "Limelight" and people and incidents in his own life. When I watch this film I see an artist standing naked at a crossroads before his audience, unsure where to go and what to do. However, I know the film does not require an advanced degree in Chaplin to enjoy. My wife, who could probably do little more than identify the Tramp in a lineup before marrying me, loved this film before she met me. I have also had the good fortune to see the film in a theater in New York and watch it work its wonders on an audience. Stylistically, it might be dated, but the magic lingers.

"Limelight" is best viewed as a drama with comedy rather than a comedy with drama. Outwardly, it is the simple story of a vulnerable youth who mistakes her gratitude for love, and an older man wise enough to know the difference. But it's more than that too. It's about an artist's nature, and the addictive power of applause. The Chaplin character, Calvero, knows how to make people laugh, but feels he has lost the ability to do so. He realizes he is at the end of his career, but he still hungers for one final moment in the limelight. The film is talky and philosophical, and, yes, a little pompous and pretentious at times too. It's almost as if Chaplin is trying to impart through words the simple joys and mystery of life he was once able to express effortlessly through simple slapstick alone. Does this flood of words mean Chaplin has lost his skills as a film maker? No. He still has the power to move.

"Limelight" is Chaplin's final masterpiece. It is one of my favorites. I prefer to think of it as his last film. Should this be your first Chaplin film? No. Start with films like "The Gold Rush," "City Lights," and "The Great Dictator." Come to know the comedian before you get to know the man.