The Circus (1928)

Recipient of 1 Academy Award:

Honorary Award

Charles Chaplin

"For versatility and genius in acting, writing, directing and producing The Circus."

It received 1 Oscar in 1927-28.


The Circus follows a Tramp who inadvertently becomes a Big Top sensation after he is accused of being a pickpocket and is chased by police.  Stealing the show with his bumbling antics, he is immediately hired on as a property man - but soon falls in love with the daughter of an abusive ringmaster.

Charlie Chaplin had originally received nominations for this film competitively, but was removed from them when the Academy decided that a special achievement award would be more fitting.  This would explain why categories such as Best Actor, Best Directing (Comedy Picture) and Best Writing (Original Story) list only two official nominees, while their counterparts list three official nominees.  Presumably, he had been listed in these categories when nominations were first announced.

"The Academy Board of Judges on merit awards for individual achievements in motion pictures arts during the year ending August 1, 1928, unanimously decided that your name should be removed from the competitive classes, and that a special first award be conferred upon you for writing, acting, directing and producing The Circus.  The collective accomplishments thus displayed place you in a class by yourself."
- Letter from the Academy to Mr. Chaplin, dated February 19, 1929.

Production for this film was extremely difficult, and Chaplin ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown in the middle of shooting.  Problems that contributed to this include a fire burning his studio down, the death of his mother, the divorce from his second wife, and claims that he owed back-taxes to the IRS.


Editorial:

Typically, I shy away from Chaplin films, due to overexposure in college.  But with that aside, I have a lot of respect for the man.  Acting, writing, directing, producing, and musical composition.  The guy does it all, and he does it well.  He is a very impressive individual.

In regards to the film itself, it is a very pleasant and entertaining experience.  If you can get behind the idea of the Tramp character, and the style of Chaplin's comedy, then this particular film acts a good representative for his work.  Whether or not it is the height of his career could be up for debate, but it is certainly high on the list.

Score  |  08/10  |  This motion picture is essential viewing.