Limelight

Yes, at the time of its release it seemed old-fashioned - so what? Yes, at the time of its release there was a pointed campaign of hatred aimed squarely at Mr. Chaplin, for which this country should be eternally ashamed. Yes, it's melodramatic - it's a MELODRAMA. And yes, it is intensely moving, with a great performance by Chaplin that is, in its essence, heartbreaking. Claire Bloom is luminous, it's fun to have Mr. Keaton in it, but this is Chaplin's film and it's a beauty. The transfer from Criterion is very nice.

This is a very well done movie! If you're looking for a comedy, though, you will be disappointed. Although it does have its comedic and entertaining moments, it's mostly a drama. This film truly shows how very multi-talented Charlie Chaplin really was. He was such a wonderful entertainer! It's too bad he didn't convert over to sound sooner and branch out beyond "The Tramp". I think he would have done very well if he had done more movies with sound. He could act, sing, dance, and spoke very well. Many silent stars didn't have the talent to convert to sound, but he truly could have if he had chosen to do so earlier. His English accent also gave him some additional charm. There is one scene in particular where he dresses like A tramp but not THE tramp where he sings, dances, etc. That's one of my favorite scenes in the movie. It's The Tramp 2.0. ;) There's also the added bonus of Buster Keaton making an appearance towards the end of the movie. I highly recommend this film!

What a movie. Clair Bloom was amazing and beautiful, and Charlie and his brother Sydney are stupendous and the plot is good, the music wonderful, the dancing outstanding, the comedy solid, the tragedy touching, and the dream scenes hauntingly touching.It is one of the few movies I can watch every few yearsand laugh out loud and shed a few tearsChaplin is such a geniusand this movie is his Metaphysical treatise.The New Age Truths are thinly buried in the dialogue, the Life Force that is within us all is tested by Life's failures and vindicated by our successes. That is the point of the film, that and dealing with the aging of the body, the endurance of the Spirit and the courage to continue to dance even when you legs feel like they are giving out.Bravo. Truly a transcendent work of art, the lessons of this film are for all of us, not just for performers of the stage.See this film and you will be pulled in and made to grow as a person.SK

I had not seen this movie until it was released by Criterion, but seeing as I love Chaplin's other work, I went all in and bought it. It is a fantastic film. Great comedy like his other movies, yet deep emotion and genuine sadness as well. I don't think you could be disappointed with this one. It is a fantastic glimpse into the lives of two individuals at different points in their lives; one young, one old, and both going through great despair. It really is a beautiful and moving film. I highly recommend it.

Sir Charles wrote, directed, scored and sings a few funny songs in this final masterpiece. His silent era leading lady (Purviance) has an uncredited cameo and Charlie appears for the only time with former rival Keaton. It's a true family affair, with seven Chaplins in all participating.His character is a music hall clown who's fallen on hard times due in part to failing health. To be funny on-stage, 'The Great Calvero" always relied upon alcohol but after a near-fatal heart attack, the liquid key to his career success can now also be the cause of his earthly demise. Yet, we first meet Calvero one summer day in 1914.as he staggers home in a state of supreme intoxication.Fortunately, he's not too drunk to smell gas coming from a first floor apartment. Calvero breaks down the door and rescues a young girl who's trying to commit suicide. Ballerina Thereza (Bloom) is convinced that she's had rheumatic fever and is paralyzed, but the doctor tells Calvero that the girl isn't sick al all-- her illnesses are psychosomatic.The big-hearted trouper takes 'Terry' in and does his best to nurse her back to both physical and mental health. During one of his philosophic moments, Calvero says that like her he used to wish for death, but has now reached a point where living's become a habit that he wants to continue.I won't reveal the next nearly 2 hours of story but worth noting is Chaplin's amazing agility and athletic strength at nearly age 63. We see him do some of Calvero's famous old routines near story's end which require much flexibility and energy, including a dancer's split that Chaplin is able to rise to his feet from unassisted and without use of his hands. It's a remakable feat for a man of any age to perform.Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 imdb viewer poll rating.(7.9) Limelight (1952) - Charles Chaplin/Claire Bloom/Nigel Bruce/Buster Keaton/Sydney Chaplin/Norman Lloyd/'Snub' Pollard (uncredited: Geraldine Chaplin/Josephine Chaplin/Charles Chaplin Jr./Oona Chaplin/Michael Chaplin/Sam Harris/Edna Purviance)

I can't believe I waited this long to see this film. It is certainly one of Chaplin's best. This Criterion Collection version has an EXCELLENT transfer of the film and many great extras. The only downside is that it is missing a few of the extras featured on the earlier Warner Home Video version, most notably the isolated music and effects audio track.

A MASTERPIECE..... the iconic music alone (which won Chaplin his only Oscar, aside from his honorary Oscar) outshines everyone else.....Who knew Chaplin spoke like Laurence Olivier?!Clarie Bloom couldn't be lovelier..... yes this is probably melodrama at its zenith, but who cares.....it's terrific. You cannot consider yourself a cinema buff unless you know this film. As a bonus (as if this film needed anything more to recommend it?) there is an ending surprise performance in Limelight.A delight..... timeless, full of pathos, humour, a simple story, yet complex in its developments.....a must see.Chaplin directed, starred and wrote the music for Limeligh.....who could do as such now?

Criterion Films are expensive and hence one of the criteria I use for purchase is Re-watchability. And, all of the Charlie Chaplin films are among them and you can watch them again and again. Criterion Hi-Def 4K digital restoration is pretty good and images are crisp.Limelight is probably not very well known like his other films like City Lights, Modern Times and Gold Rush, but is very important and interesting film to understand lively spirited mind of the Genius and how film parallels Genius's real life and thoughts at that point of time. It is more Drama with Comedy rather than a Comedy with Drama."Limelight" is the story of an old comedian named Calvero (Chaplin), who one morning discovers that his young neighbor Thereza (Claire Bloom) attempted to commit suicide. He decides to take care of her and discovers that she is a dancer; knowing that both share a passion for performing he begins to cheer her up and prepares her to become a great dancer while at the same time he remembers his past glories. Film parallels Charlies' emotions in actual life where he know that he is at the end of his career and probably this is his final masterpiece. In his character in film, Valvero knows how to make people laugh, but he feels that he has lost ability to do so. The film is talky and philosophical, but it is most personal film to Charlie and more serious side of the Genius.Charlie Chaplin is undisputed masters of cinema. Thanks Criterion for bringing this to Hi-def life (and others: Modern Times, The Kid, Gold Rush, City Lights) and Salute to Maestro Charlie Chaplin !

In today's cynical times, a film such as Limelight seems overly sentimental. The film however is a triumph because of its sentimentality. A welcome relief from the world of fake news, manipulation and self-serving politicians. Chaplin viewed the world as it should be not as it is. That is his great triumph.

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So glad this old classic is now available on Blu-ray. You don't have to be a Charlie Chaplin fan to enjoy this as you see a more serious side of the star.

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Good for it's age.