Review of The Circus (1928) by Kenneth L — 26 Apr 2013
This is going to be a short review of a great film. The Circus doesn't get as much press as some other Chaplin films - it lacks the overarching social commentary of Modern Times or the touching love story of City Lights - but it is still a brilliant, hilarious movie from one of the greatest directors of the early history of the medium.
It follows the Little Tramp (Chaplin), of course, as he wanders into the middle of a circus, accidentally becoming the star attraction at one point. He falls in love with the circus owner's daughter, gets trapped in the lion cage, and eventually finds himself walking the tightrope, among other things.
The narrative is simple, but it effectively earns your sympathy and concern for the Tramp. A lot of individual scenes stand out as extremely funny, not to mention very technically sophisticated for the time.
It's amazing how well this film, like almost all of Chaplin's work, holds up today, 85 years after its original release. It's still immensely enjoyable, and I would recommend it to anyone.
This review of The Circus (1928) was written by Kenneth L on 26 Apr 2013.
The Circus has generally received very positive reviews.
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