Word: chaplin
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...movies' legendary comic genius was playing his greatest reconciliation scene. Charlie Chaplin and America were kissing and making up-and loving every minute...
...kitsch didn't really hit the fan until the scene was set for Charles Chaplin's honorary Oscar. Daniel Taradash, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Hollywood lefty of decent standing, introduced the world's greatest film comic and actor--and some would say director--as a man who always strove to prove that "man's humanity to man is far greater than his inhumanity to man." Then, after a film clip melange predictably slapped together by Peter boy-do-I-know-films Bogdanovich. Chaplin emerged from the same stage cockpit as the first...
...dammit all, the man was crying. As the sequined obsequious applauded, as Taradash called for a chorus of "Smile," even as he was framed by the TV insignia of not only Shell ("our products perform") but Chevrolet ("...see the U.S.A.")--Chaplin was touched. After years of exile self-imposed after more than a decade of government harassment and two decades of press scandal-mongering, he had returned to reap the honor of an industry which, with its new "enlightened" veneer, is always up for the chance to acquire a "humane" credential. He gave the 44th annual presentation of awards...
Actually, there was one major disappointment which even the most casual observer couldn't fail to note. Jane Fonda did not cite Merleau-Ponte or Cesar Chavez or George McGovern for inspiring her winning performance in Klute, didn't chastise the hypocrites who would never have backed Chaplin when he was under fire--didn't really say much of anything. She simply thanked the Academy and walked off the stage, showing far more class than to indulge in the liberal sanctimony which has marked the affair in years past. I hope she boycotted the post-awards parties as well...
...YEAR when Charlie Chaplin has finally been readmitted to the country, it is equally refreshing to see another great artist revived from a politically-imposed obscurity. Weill's music is durable, his lyricists talented, his message irrepressible. Perhaps some of his ideas rub off or the suburban crowd. You never can tell...