Chaplin 1972 Academy Show

Which of you guys saw this show and what dio you think?

Elmer Pintar

I saw it live in 1972 and I was a bit disappointed that Chaplin didn't say more, and that it wasn't more memorable, given the historic nature of the occasion.

But it was too much to expect, given his age and anxiety about returning to LA, and the exhausting social events that were part of the trip.

I've only seen excerpts from it. Pretty Oscar-Nightish. Well-intentioned, but strangely painful to watch, also.

Connie K.

The tribute held in Chaplin's honor at Lincoln Center in NYC (when his newly scored THE KID and IDLE CLASS were shown) BEFORE his Oscar night was more like a homecoming and less of a showbiz event (no doubt because it wasn't televised and the L.C. organizers didn't want to turn this into a media circus, if you'll pardon the allusion to a Chaplin title!). I was there, and it was touching the way Charlie blew kisses at everyone and beamed like a happy little boy. By the time he reached Hollywood, the poor man was overcome by it all.

Ed Watz

No, the music came on and interrupted him. A glitch that spoiled the moment a bit. It was like, 'OK, old man, you've had enough time.'

I have an audio casette tape of his speech, which I recorded when I watched the event. To encapsulate the moment: Chaplin starts talking and momentarily several microphones are on, causing his initial words to echo. Chaplin thanks the attendees briefly, acknowledging that 'words seem so futile, so feeble.' He acknowledges that they are 'dear, sweet people,' pauses, and says 'Thank you!' as a very declarative, closing remark. Loud applause immediately follows, then the m.c. encourages everyone to join in singing 'Smile.' I do not recall anything so humiliating as what happened to Frank Sinatra at the Grammys a couple years ago, but, like RASHOMON, everyone probably sees something a little different in their mind's eye.

I saw it back then and I remembered the hat of all things!! But it didn't have significance for me then as I only thought of CC as one of those other old, old comics. I wish now that I'd had the appreciation for those old guys that I have now! (CC's not the only one. There's Keaton and also Chevalier).

Since seeing the pieces from it lately, as someone with great admiration for the man and sympathy for what he endured, I find it incredibly touching! It seems the most wonderful thing was his genuine reaction of being amazed that they still loved him!

gloria bond

Gloria Bond wrote

What an understament! Yes, Chaplin was amazed that they still loved him. Remember, having been in exile for twenty years, having made a couple of turkeys, recalling the hostility of his last years in America and now being an old (& hopefully not) forgotten man: Chaplin thought that 'they might hiss!'

But it proved to be a memorable night & a fitting climax to his long productive life.

~ Crooner

You're right, I stand corrected,

Chaplin wasn't cut off by music, but I thought asking everyone to join in singing 'Smile' cut off the potential for Chaplin to say more than he did. The moment of his return to Hollywood was so significant, I thought it should have been more memorable.

I also saw the event live in 1972. Even though I was only ten years old this was the highlight of the evening for me because my grandmother had introduced me to his films via- latenight television over the previous summer. (I've been a night owl ever since) Anyway: Having had time to think on the brief appearance he made. I feel that the committee for the Academy may have taken precautions with mister Chaplin. My thinking on this is based on the speech made at one of the awards a few years prior when Brando won his award and was a no show. His award was accepted by a member of one of the American Indian nation and was made into a political event. Mr. Chaplin as we all know could have done the same (though I personally doubt he would have) As I recalled the music seemed to cut him off but then again I was only ten years old at the time.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for posting, Geri. Interesting point of view.

Connie K.