Limelight (1952)

In the heart of 1914 London, the story of "Limelight" unfolds, painting a poignant tale of two lost souls bound together by fate and the performing arts. Calvero, a once-celebrated stage comedian whose star has faded due to his alcoholism, stumbles upon Thereza 'Terry' Ambrose, a despondent ballerina, in the throes of a suicide attempt. Guided by compassion and a shared understanding of life under the limelight, he takes Terry under his wing, offering her shelter and solace. As the scent of gas and the specter of despair recede, Calvero, the man who once made audiences roar with laughter, embarks on a journey to nurse Terry back to health, both physically and emotionally. In doing so, he unravels the thread of guilt and pressure that led Terry to the brink, all while grappling with his own demons. The walls of their shared abode reverberate with tales of past glory and future hopes, as they become each other's pillars of emotional support, navigating the tumultuous world of performing arts. Amid their intertwined journey towards recovery and redemption, Calvero is determined to reignite his professional career, while instilling in Terry the confidence to dance and embrace life again. The film reaches its crescendo with a classic duet featuring Buster Keaton, Chaplin's only true cinematic comedic rival, serving as a testament to the enduring power of performance. "Limelight" is a symphony of resilience, a testament to the human spirit's indomitable will to rise from the ashes. As an old flame of Terry's, Neville, re-emerges, Calvero attempts to enlighten her on the delicate dance between devotion and romantic love. Their shared struggle and triumph under the limelight create a poignant narrative that echoes long after the curtain falls.

Limelight is a drama movie featuring Charlie Chaplin.

Limelight is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Magnolia Selects and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Limelight on Amazon Video and Apple TV.