Review of Limelight (1952) by Kyle M — 09 Jan 2015

Part one of Charles Chaplin's swan song goes over similar moments in his life that he was experiencing at the time including what his father had similarly experienced. It's about a seemingly-retired/washed-out performer saves a girl from a gassing suicide attempt because she was beginning to feel washed-out. Colvero (Chaplin) went on to inspire her what he'd been through so he can stop her from committing something when there isn't an end to her dream. But as a washed-out performer, he was missing the old days, and now no stage wanted him back. However as he was inspiring the girl Thereza (Claire Boom), it seems he was inspired by himself and realized his dream isn't over yet, and the girl likes to help him out as well.

The storyline reflects Chaplin's way of bringing sympathies based on what he'd been through, especially being an unwanted performer who was denied access to the United States. Another story he was telling was his father on being a performer who was losing audiences. His sense of direction never gets old to create sympathy from the viewers, as well his old comedic ways returning to his old personal the Tramp as a talkie with clownish makeup.

This is a long treat for those who enjoy the silent comedies staring two of the top three silent comedians, Chaplin and Buster Keaton, with Chaplin the same as ever. Also, hearing him talk is a special treat that'd made his performance solid, next to having his family coming along. (B+).

(Full review coming soon).