Limelight
1952 · Movie · G · 137 min · ★ 7.9 · 91% critics
A fading music hall comedian tries to help a despondent ballet dancer find her footing again. Taking her in, he coaches her confidence and persistence, while both struggle with what comes after public attention and personal doubt.
Where to watch
Streaming on HBO Max.
2 hours to watch.
Stream (included)
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1952
- Release date
- 1952-10-16
- Language
- English
- Rated
- G
- Runtime
- 137 min
- Critic score
- 91/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.9/10 (594 votes)
- Box office
- $8,000,000
- Budget
- $900,000
About
You’ll like Limelight if you enjoy bittersweet stage-and-screen drama, second chances, and sincere performances, with a famed late guest stage partnership; Not for you if you want lighter Chaplin comedy, tight pacing, or minimal melodrama.
Pros: heartfelt mentor story; memorable stage moments; strong lead chemistry | Cons: slow, meandering pacing; repetitive routines; heavy on lecturing
Themes
- clown
- ballet dancer
- black and white
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Original Dramatic Score · 1973
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Original Dramatic Score · 1973 · nominated
Cast & crew
Charlie Chaplin
as Calvero
Claire Bloom
as Thereza 'Terry' Ambrose
Nigel Bruce
as Postant
Buster Keaton
as Calvero's Partner
Sydney Chaplin
as Neville
Norman Lloyd
as Bodalink
Andre Eglevsky
as Dancer - Harlequin
Melissa Hayden
as Dancer - Columbine
Marjorie Bennett
as Mrs. Sybil Alsop
Wheeler Dryden
as Thereza's Doctor
Directed by Charlie Chaplin