Final works and renewed appreciation Charlie Chaplin

chaplin wife oona , 6 of children in 1961

in last 2 decades of career, chaplin concentrated on re-editing , scoring old films re-release, along securing ownership , distribution rights. in interview granted in 1959, year of 70th birthday, chaplin stated there still room little man in atomic age . first of these re-releases chaplin revue (1959), included new versions of dog s life, shoulder arms, , pilgrim.

in america, political atmosphere began change , attention once again directed chaplin s films instead of views. in july 1962, new york times published editorial stating not believe republic in danger if yesterday s unforgotten little tramp allowed amble down gangplank of steamer or plane in american port . same month, chaplin invested honorary degree of doctor of letters universities of oxford , durham. in november 1963, plaza theater in new york started year-long series of chaplin s films, including monsieur verdoux , limelight, gained excellent reviews american critics. september 1964 saw release of chaplin s memoirs, autobiography, had been working on since 1957. 500-page book, focused on years , personal life, became worldwide best-seller, despite criticism on lack of information on film career.

shortly after publication of memoirs, chaplin began work on countess hong kong (1967), romantic comedy based on script had written paulette goddard in 1930s. set on ocean liner, starred marlon brando american ambassador , sophia loren stowaway found in cabin. film differed chaplin s earlier productions in several aspects. first use technicolor , widescreen format, while concentrated on directing , appeared on-screen in cameo role seasick steward. signed deal universal pictures , appointed assistant, jerome epstein, producer. chaplin paid $600,000 director s fee percentage of gross receipts. countess hong kong premiered in january 1967, unfavourable reviews, , box-office failure. chaplin hurt negative reaction film, turned out last.

chaplin suffered series of minor strokes in late 1960s, marked beginning of slow decline in health. despite setbacks, writing new film script, freak, story of winged girl found in south america, intended starring vehicle daughter, victoria. fragile health prevented project being realised. in 1970s, chaplin concentrated on re-releasing old films, including kid , circus. in 1971, made commander of national order of legion of honour @ cannes film festival. following year, honoured special award venice film festival.

chaplin (right) receiving honorary academy award jack lemmon in 1972. first time had been united states in 20 years.

in 1972, academy of motion picture arts , sciences offered chaplin honorary award, robinson sees sign america wanted make amends . chaplin hesitant accepting decided return first time in 20 years. visit attracted large amount of press coverage and, @ academy awards gala, given twelve-minute standing ovation, longest in academy s history. visibly emotional, chaplin accepted award incalculable effect has had in making motion pictures art form of century .

although chaplin still had plans future film projects, mid-1970s frail. experienced several further strokes, made difficult him communicate, , had use wheelchair. final projects compiling pictorial autobiography, life in pictures (1974) , scoring woman of paris re-release in 1976. appeared in documentary life, gentleman tramp (1975), directed richard patterson. in 1975 new year honours, chaplin awarded knighthood queen elizabeth ii, though weak kneel , received honour in wheelchair.

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