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Biographical drama

Chaplin (1993): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Chaplin (1993) movie poster

Chaplin is a 1993 biographical drama directed by Richard Attenborough, starring Robert Downey Jr.. It is based on Chaplin: His Life and Art by David Robinson. It runs 2 hours 23 minutes and earned $9.5 million worldwide. It won 1 award from 10 nominations, among them 3 Oscar nominations. Critics gave it 47 on Metacritic.

worldwide gross
$9.5M
award won
1
Metascore
47
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Chaplin (1993) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 23m (143 min)
Genres
Biography , Drama , Comedy
Original language
Bangla
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Chaplin About?

The premise of Chaplin without spoilers, adapted from Chaplin: His Life and Art by David Robinson. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This poignant biopic explores the early life of Charlie Chaplin, focusing on his experiences as a struggling entertainer and a devoted father. Known as "Banshee," he finds comfort and joy in his young son’s presence. Their close bond is tragically tested when a devastating event occurs during a televised performance, profoundly changing their lives and the trajectory of their future.

Chaplin Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • douglas fairbanks character
  • film history
  • female rear nudity
  • charlie chaplin character
  • mary pickford character
  • mabel normand character
  • mack sennett character
  • william randolph hearst character
  • j. edgar hoover character
  • based on real person
  • period drama
  • topless teenage girl
+38 more
  • hollywoodland sign
  • reference to adolf hitler
  • reference to william shakespeare
  • sex with an older man
  • female nudity
  • paulette goddard character
  • stan laurel character
  • california
  • england
  • showbiz drama
  • 1800s
  • hollywood icon
  • adult man teenage girl relationship
  • nude teenage girl
  • women's dressing room
  • teenage girl wears a nightgown
  • insane woman
  • mother son relationship
  • archive footage
  • bend down exposing cleavage
  • female topless nudity
  • golden age of hollywood
  • academy awards ceremony
  • reference to world war one
  • tennis
  • female full rear nudity
  • reference to the spanish flu
  • unrequited love
  • ocean liner
  • movie studio
  • movie director
  • cameraman
  • workaholic
  • actress plays a dual role
  • redheaded woman
  • close up of lips
  • straw hat
  • reference to fred astaire
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Cast & crew

Chaplin Cast

Robert Downey Jr. stars in Chaplin. Directed by Richard Attenborough.

From the director

More from Richard Attenborough

More films directed by Richard Attenborough, best-rated first: Gandhi, A Bridge Too Far, Cry Freedom and Magic.

Full filmography
Ratings

Chaplin Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Chaplin 47 on Metacritic.

Plot

Chaplin Plot Summary

What happens in Chaplin from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Chaplin narrates the compelling life story of Charles Chaplin, a revolutionary figure in the film industry, as he prepares his autobiography alongside his older self, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr.. This captivating film takes us through Chaplin’s reflections, revealing his past through a series of poignant flashbacks.

The journey begins in the early days of Chaplin’s career, showcasing a moment when his mother, Hannah, a troubled and impoverished woman, performs in front of a rowdy audience of army cadets. Although her performance ends in boos, a brave five-year-old Charles takes the stage after her. His rendition enchants the soldiers, leaving them astounded by his confidence and talent. Upon returning home, the audience witnesses the harsh reality of his family’s life, as they share a meager meal of fish heads.

Full summary

The whole story of Chaplin, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Chaplin Box Office

Chaplin grossed $9.5 million worldwide.

1993 box office

Worldwide gross

$9.5M

US & Canada
$9.5M
Awards

Chaplin Awards & Nominations

Chaplin won 1 award from 10 nominations, among them 3 Oscar nominations. Its biggest night was the BAFTA 1993, with 1 win from 4 nominations.

1 win10 nominations3 ceremonies

  • British Academy Film Awards logo
    BAFTA 1993 1 win · 4 nominations
    • Won Best Actor in a Leading Role
    • Nominated Best Costume Design
    • Nominated Best Makeup and Hair
    • Nominated Best Production Design
  • Golden Globe Awards logo
    Golden Globes 1993 3 nominations
    • Nominated Best Original Score – John Barry
    • Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actor) – Robert Downey Jr.
    • Nominated Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Musical or Comedy (Supporting Actress) – Geraldine Chaplin
  • Academy Awards (Oscars) logo
    Oscars 1993 3 nominations
    • Nominated Actor in a Leading Role – Robert Downey Jr.
    • Nominated Art Direction
    • Nominated Music (Original Score)
Videos

Chaplin Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Chaplin.

Chaplin (1992) Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Chaplin?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who played the role of the narrator in 'Chaplin'?

Cars

Cars in Chaplin

20 cars on screen, including the 1912 Austro-Daimler and the 1931 Cadillac.

All 20 cars
  • 1912 Austro-Daimler in Chaplin 1912 Austro-Daimler Minor role
  • 1931 Cadillac in Chaplin 1931 Cadillac Minor role
  • 1920 Dodge Brothers Four in Chaplin 1920 Dodge Brothers Four Minor role
  • 1913 Ford Model T in Chaplin 1913 Ford Model T Minor role
Details

Chaplin Also Known As

13 alternative titles, including “Τσάρλυ” and “Chaplin - Leben der unsterblichen Filmlegende”.

Also known as
  • Τσάρλυ
  • Chaplin - Leben der unsterblichen Filmlegende
  • Charlot - Chaplin
  • Чаплин
  • 卓别林
  • צ'פלין
  • 채플린
  • チャーリー
  • Charlie
  • แชปลิน หัวเราะร่า น้ำตาริน, ჩაპლინი
  • 卓別靈傳
  • Чаплін
+1 more
  • 卓別林與他的情人

Seen Chaplin?

FAQ

Chaplin FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of Chaplin, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Chaplin?

Chaplin runs 2 hours 23 minutes (143 minutes).

When was Chaplin released?

Chaplin was released on January 8, 1993.

Who directed Chaplin?

Chaplin was directed by Richard Attenborough.

More films by Richard Attenborough

Who is in the cast of Chaplin?

Chaplin stars Robert Downey Jr.

How much did Chaplin make at the box office?

Chaplin grossed $9.5 million worldwide.

How is Chaplin rated?

Chaplin has 47 on Metacritic and 74% on TMDB.

Is Chaplin based on a book?

Yes. Chaplin is adapted from Chaplin: His Life and Art by David Robinson.

What awards did Chaplin win?

Chaplin won 1 award from 10 nominations, including Best Actor in a Leading Role at the BAFTA 1993.

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