Limelight (1952)

Limelight is a 1952 American comedy-drama film written, produced, directed, and starring Charlie Chaplin. It is based on Chaplin's novella Footlights. Chaplin wrote the score, which Ray Rasch orchestrated. The film stars Chaplin as a washed-up comic who saves a suicidal dancer, played by Claire Bloom, from committing suicide, as the two strive to get through life; Nigel Bruce, Sydney Earl Chaplin, Wheeler Dryden, and Norman Lloyd all feature, and Buster Keaton makes an appearance. Melissa Hayden doubles Bloom in dance scenes.

W.C. Fields once referred to Charlie Chaplin as "the greatest ballet dancer who ever lived," and his final great film, a perfect blend of comedy and tragedy. Chaplin was a maestro, and Limelight is often regarded as his most personal work. Except for a great scene with Chaplin and Buster Keaton as a disaster-prone musical combo, it's a verbose, technically shaky effort that's both sentimental and self-indulgent. However, there are magnificent, genuinely moving moments, and for those who regard Chaplin as a pivotal character in twentieth-century popular culture, this is a must-see film and one of the best ballet movies as well.

Director: Charlie Chaplin
Casts: Charlie Chaplin, Claire Bloom, Nigel Bruce
IMDb: 8