MovieChat Forums > Limelight (1952) Discussion > Is this sort of an autobiography?

Is this sort of an autobiography?

posted 9 years ago by Peterlh
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I couldn't help but notice that many of the elements in this film reminded me of what I have read and heard about Chaplin's own life. If so I probably missed a lot of things but here are some of the things I noticed were reminiscent of his own life (spoilers obviously):

The older man having a younger woman/girl as "wife".

Mentions of his act being a tramp character.

The comedian having been famous and celebrated when he was younger only to have his career fade as he aged. Being banished from the stage could be a reference to Chaplin being kicked out of the USA.

He speaks of finding a quiet place in the countryside - something Chaplin did in Switzerland just a year after the release of this movie.

[–] chaplinpricefan 9 years ago

Yes you are right, this film was indeed like an autobiography. Chaplin drew influences from his own life and the life of his parents.

Chaplin based Terry on his own mother, Hannah. Terry was a dancer who lost the use of her legs, Hannah Chaplin was a singer who lost the use of her voice. Claire Bloom (who played Terry) later recalled that Chaplin was often adjusting her head scarfs and he would say "That's how my mother used to wear them."

Chaplin based Calvero on his own father. Charles Chaplin, Sr. was an entertainer much like Calvero. Both were big drinkers who lost the respect of their audiences and turned to alcohol to help them. However I do believe Charlie based Calvero partly on himself and of his own fears that he was losing his audience. Also when Calvero says "I've had five wives already," I believe this was Charlie humorously referring to his own four marriages.

Never picked up on the retiring to the country theory - well spotted.