The Circus
Seen it?1928 | 72 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences rate it highly (7.9 out of 10). Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Modern Times or City Lights, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 12 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1928: an older pace and style.
Charlie, a wandering tramp, becomes a circus handyman - soon the star of the show - and falls in love with the circus owner's stepdaughter.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesStrong
7.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
Awards data unavailable, so this isn't counted
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 43K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Charlie Chaplin
- Charlie ChaplinA Tramp
- Al Ernest GarciaThe Circus Proprietor and Ring Master
- Merna KennedyThe Proprietor's Step-Daughter Merna, a Circus Rider
- Harry CrockerRex, a Tight Rope Walker
- George DavisA Magician
- Henry BergmanAn Old Clown
- Tiny SandfordThe Head Property Man
- John RandAn Assistant Property Man
- Steve MurphyA Pickpocket
- Albert AustinClown (uncredited)