limelight

1952 ****1/2 132 mins.

Charles Chaplin takes the idea of a dramatic comedy to a new level in this film that touches the heart like few others. This film is the epitome of human emotions. A washed up comedian (Chaplin) saves a ballerina (Claire Bloom) from a suicide attempt. He nurses her back to health and tries to get her to perform again. She, in turn, tries to get him to perform again. The love is real, the emotion is real, and the laughter, when it is presented, is real. This is a truly wonderful dramatic attempt from the great Charles Chaplin. Note: this film won an Academy Award for Best Original Score--20 years after its original release. This was due to the fact that this film was not shown in a Los Angeles theatre until 1972. Because of that, it could not have been nominated before then.
Charles Chaplin is Number 10 on AFI's 100 Years . . . 100 Stars.
Buster Keaton is Number 21 on AFI's 100 Years . . . 100 Stars.
Originally Not Rated; since Rated G.