Charly (1968): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Charly is a 1968 sci-fi drama starring Cliff Robertson, Claire Bloom and Dick Van Patten. It is partly based on Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. It runs 1 hour 43 minutes. It won 1 Oscar, including Actor, and 3 awards in all. Critics gave it 50 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 43m (103 min)
- Original language
-
French - Based on
- Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Charly About?
The premise of Charly without spoilers, adapted from Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A man with a developmental disability is chosen for an experimental procedure designed to drastically increase his intelligence. As his mental capacity grows, he experiences the world in a completely new way, grappling with complex ideas and challenging relationships. He seeks knowledge and understanding, but also confronts painful truths about his past and the complexities of human connection, ultimately questioning the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment.
Charly Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- experiment
- mouse
- mental retardation
- enhanced intelligence
- genius
- intelligence
- tragedy
- laboratory
- janitor
- brain surgery
- bakery
- based on novel
+38 more Show fewer
- psychologist
- two way mirror
- psychological drama
- rabbit's foot
- head bandage
- puzzle
- freedom trail
- gift
- painting
- jealousy
- seminar
- speech
- biochemistry
- death of pet
- fantasy sequence
- busboy
- doomed love
- pumpkin
- slow motion scene
- disability
- teacher
- rowboat
- night school
- tour bus
- landlady
- dog
- microscope
- blackboard
- split screen
- mockery
- bar
- boston massachusetts
- sexual awakening
- medical experiment
- character name as title
- unwanted kiss
- police officer
- marriage proposal
Charly Cast
Cliff Robertson leads the cast, with Claire Bloom and Dick Van Patten.
Also Starring in Charly
· 6 moreCharly Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Charly 50 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.
-
IMDb 6.9 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 50 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 64% User score
See on TMDB
Charly Plot Summary
What happens in Charly from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Charly Gordon, played by Cliff Robertson, is an intellectually challenged adult who finds joy in interacting with children at the playground. Eager to learn, he attends night school, where his compassionate teacher, Mrs. Alice Kinnian, encourages him to participate in a groundbreaking research study. During his visit to the clinic, Charly undergoes a series of logic tests, all observed by scientists through a two-way mirror.
Residing in a modest upstairs room owned by his watchful landlady, Mrs. Apple, Charly jots down daily plans on a small chalkboard. He works at a bakery, where he’s subjected to juvenile pranks orchestrated by his co-workers, especially Gimpy. Oblivious to the fact that he is being mocked, Charly embraces their company.
Full summary
The whole story of Charly, scene by scene
Charly Awards & Nominations
Charly won 1 Oscar, including Actor, and 3 awards in all. Its biggest night was the Golden Globes 1969, with 2 wins from 3 nominations.
3 wins4 nominations2 ceremonies
-
Golden Globes 1969 2 wins · 3 nominations- Won Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
- Won Best Screenplay
- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actor) – Cliff Robertson
-
Oscars 1969 1 win · 1 nomination- Won Actor – Cliff Robertson
How Well Do You Know Charly?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the main character of the film?
Cars in Charly
13 cars on screen, including the 1966 Sunbeam Alpine Series V and the 1948 Aerocoach Mastercraft P-372.
-
1966 Sunbeam Alpine Series V Important role -
1948 Aerocoach Mastercraft P-372 Minor role -
1967 Dodge Dart Minor role -
1967 Ford Bronco Minor role
Charly Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “The Two Worlds of Charly Gordon” and “まごころを君に”.
- Also known as
-
- The Two Worlds of Charly Gordon
- まごころを君に
- I due mondi di Charly
- まごころを君に /アルジャーノンに花束を
- Os Dois Mundos de Charly
- Virágot Algernonnak - Charly
- چارلی
- 查利
- Чарли
- 찰리
Seen Charly?
Movies Like Charly
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Charly, Flowers for Algernon and Charliebird.
Charly FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime
Runtime, release date, cast, ratings, the book behind it, awards, post-credit scenes and language of Charly, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Charly?
Charly runs 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes).
When was Charly released?
Charly was released on September 23, 1968.
Who is in the cast of Charly?
Charly stars Cliff Robertson, Claire Bloom and Dick Van Patten, among 10 credited actors.
How is Charly rated?
Charly has 6.9/10 on IMDb, 50 on Metacritic and 64% on TMDB.
Is Charly based on a book?
Yes. Charly is partly adapted from Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.
What awards did Charly win?
Charly won 3 awards from 4 nominations, including Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes 1969.
Does Charly have a post-credit scene?
No. Charly has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Charly in?
The original language of Charly is French.
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