Charlie Chaplin - The Forgotten Years (2003)

Great overview of Chaplin's last years

Charlie Chaplin-The Forgotten Years is a wonderful documentary detailing the final years of Chaplin's life as a resident of Europe. Even though Chaplin found his fortune in the United States, he never became a citizen. Chaplin got caught up in the The Red Scare of the 1950's. When he left for a trip to Europe with his wife, his visa was revoked and Chaplin could not return to the United States. Therefore, Chaplin and his wife Oona eventually settled in Switzerland, where he would raise his family until his death in 1977.

The documentary reveals wonderful stories from his children, neighbors and others whose lives were touched by Chaplin in some way. Supplemented by many home movies, this documentary gives a wonderful insite to those "lost" years in Europe, where Chaplin continued to dream of new projects until the very end.

All in all, I'm very satisfied with this DVD! April 10, 2008

eye candy and soul food for the Chaplin fan

there is so much to appreciate here, the gorgeous footage of the unique Chaplin family after Charlie was forced to live in exile in Switzerland would be enough; but there is so much more. Charlie was such a huge genius, and by definition a mass of contradictions -super confident vs insecure and generous and compassionate while still so self absorbed and angry.I found this intimate portrait so personal and insightful as well in that it covers some of his later works, music collaborations, friendships, this dvd is well worth it . September 23, 2007

Funny Little Man

Charlie Chaplin: The Forgotten Years is a documentary about the later part of the comic genius's life when he lived in Switzerland. Many exciting things happened for him there including having children, making several films, composing music, and recieving accolades for his talents. Also covered in the documentary is the occasion when his body was stolen from his grave and held for ransom. The documentary is quite short, only about an hour long, which is disappointing because it is about a subject that has not been explored in detail before. However, it does provide insights in the man who had changed very greatly from his days in Hollywood as a star.

There are interviews with many of Chaplin's children including the very knowledgable and lovely Geraldine Chaplin who became and actress herself. Friends and fans also provide insight into the man. Thankfully, since all of the interviews were not useful for the film but were still interesting, outtakes are included as a bonus feature.

This is certainly not an outstanding documentary by any means, but it is a must for Chaplin fans because it sheds some light on a neglected but important part of the man's life. November 19, 2006

a Chaplin fan.

A touching and really instructive documental about the late Charlie Chaplin.I really enjoyed watching this.It tells a lot about the man.A sensitive and realistic one.I cried watching it.
A must have for any true Chaplin fan. August 2, 2006

a great documentary for the Chaplin fan

i saw this Documentary over the weekend&truly enjoyed how it showed Chaplin in his Life away from America. family members,friends&whatnot provide insight to the Greatness of him&also the Man. it was a very interesting&well documented account on one of the most Creative forces to ever grace this earth. March 11, 2006

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