MovieChat Forums > A King in New York (1957) Discussion > Autobiographical?

Autobiographical?

posted 19 years ago by schwepps
9 replies | jump to latest

Do you think Chaplin is using Rupert to air his own views? This was probably the only way he could share his feelings about Communism.

Michael Chaplin is not the world's greatest actor, by the way

[–] Blinkgem 19 years ago

Oh, tell me about it!
Hes a great kid and i know he's the spawn of a genious but his mouthing charlies lines was getting annoying. If it wasn't for his dad showing him how to act every last scene then his performance could have been considerably worse. Bless him...

I dont think Chaplin was voicing his Communist (if he had any) views he was probably have a dig at America for voiding his return.

'Shabba!'

[–] ZildjianDFW 14 years ago

Yeah, Chaplin wasn't a communist. A liberal, yes. Arguably an anarchist. Definitely a humanist and idealist. But not a communist. He was definitely embittered over his treatment at the hands of McCarthy, Hoover, and the like, and over the way many Americans, swayed by the fear-mongering, turn their backs on him. It was a deep wound for him, especially considering how he had loved America. Probably felt like a betrayel.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] daimposter 11 years ago

I would argue he was more of a liberal by today's definition. He was left of center but he wasn't a true socialist. Perhaps he might be what is today a 'European socialist' which is basically elements of capitalism and socialism.

Capitalism and corporatism are indeed difficult to tell apart, at least in the US. In the US, the belief is often that 'capitalism' exist only without regulations or without any serious regulations. Without proper regulation, a capitalist country becomes a corporatist economy. That is why in the US the income inequality is extremely high and why corporations and wealthy people are able to pour an extreme amount of money into political campaigns.

And you are right, despite the Faux News idiots beliefs, Democrats are not socialist and in fact are right of center of most other wealthy nations. Obama would be considered right of center in the majority of countries. In fact, the conservatives in the UK (prime minister, London Mayor, etc) all support Obama and dislike the Republican Party as a whole.

[–] Poukram 19 years ago

THis film was Chaplins "Thank you" to Mr. McCarthy and the witchhunt of the US against Communists or "left-oriented" people. And it was one of his best films. Of course he used Rupert to air his own thinkings and views. Chaplin himself wrote that down in his Authobiography! Only think of it: even if you have highered your left fist in those days in America you have been a potential communist ...

Es rettet uns kein höheres Wesen, kein Gott, kein Kaiser, kein Tribun!

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] pcsampreeth 17 years ago

Just saw the film...was too good. I will rate it as one of Chaplin's best. The way he reflected upon the pop culture during the period is more than relevant even today. I believe Chaplin was expressing his views throughout the movie probably even his stand on the issues of that period...

[–] tokyostory2000 17 years ago

Chaplin several times had to hide from process-servers. First to finish editing his films and handing them over the the studios before divorce proceedings, so the lawyers wouldn't seize the property, and later to avoid a summons that would make him testify during the un-American sessions. During this time, he was in New York, and a man followed him every day, and each day Chaplin escaped. Finally the man caught up with him, and just wanted an autograph. This appears in this movie.

[–] Kinematico 16 years ago

IMO as some other posters have said already, Chaplin is pointing out the unjustices, fanatism and paranoia so common during the McCarthy era. If you ask me Mr. Chaplin did it successfully and brilliantly. BTW Michael delivered a great performance as Rupert.