The Circus

THE CIRCUS (U)

D: Charles Chaplin

United Artists (Charles Chaplin)

US 🇺🇸 1928

70 mins

Comedy

W: Charles Chaplin

DP: Rollie Totheroh

Ed: Charles Chaplin

Mus: Arthur Kay

Charles Chaplin (The Tramp), Allan Garcia (The Ringmaster), Merna Kennedy (The Ringmaster’s Stepdaughter), Harry Crocker (Rex, a Tightrope Walker), George Davis (A Magician)

One of Charlie Chaplin’s best films and proof that good comedy can be timeless.

This silent picture, made in 1928 stars Chaplin as his usual tramp persona that gained him worldwide stardom, who unknowingly becomes the hit of a travelling circus when he accidentally gatecrashes a show, and is immediately hired by the cruel ringmaster for repeat performances.

Brilliant slapstick & stunts make this blast to watch, with some genuinely funny and nail-biting moments, though it does end on a rather dour note.

Though ‘The Circus’ wasn’t nominated at the very first Oscars as it should have been, Chaplin himself was recognised for his achievements in writing, directing and producing the film, as well as starring in it.

8/10