CHARLES CHAPLIN

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB. 

USA, 1928.  Charles Chaplin Productions.  Screenplay by Charles Chaplin.  Cinematography by Roland Totheroh.  Produced by Charles Chaplin.  Music by Charles Chaplin.  Production Design by Charles D. Hall.  Film Editing by Charles Chaplin.  

One of Charles Chaplin‘s most endearing films, this was the first to earn him recognition from the Academy, garnering him nominations as Best Actor and Best Director. The Academy later decided to cancel his two nominations and award him a Special Achievement Award for his excellent work. It tells of a Little Tramp (of course) who breaks into the world of the Big Top when he falls in love with a bareback rider and becomes the hit of the show. His heart is broken, however, when she finds true romance with a hunky tightrope walker. Full of brilliant slapstick humour and finished off with the breathtaking bittersweet flavour that marked so much of the great comedian’s work.

The Criterion Collection:  #996

Academy Award:  Special Award, to Charles Chaplin