When Charlie Chaplin Became the Enemy

When Charlie Chaplin passed away on December 25, 1977, Hollywood already forgave him. He made an emotional return to the town five years before, receiving an Academy Honorary Award. He was one of the biggest stars of the silent film era, with "The Gold Rush" and "City Lights" becoming classics. Many of the actors during that period were unable to make the transition to the talkies, their voice not pleasing to the ear. But not Chaplin. "Modern Times" and "The Great Dictator" became classics as well. Not a few noticed the subtle political view, which the authorities misinterpreted.

Chaplin had a hand-to-mouth existence. He would learn to work at an early age after witnessing his mother developed psychosis. Many would be hardened by the experience, but not the young Chaplin. He knew how make people laugh. Comedy was his refuge from the hardship and pain. His experience influenced his views.

"Monsieur Verdoux" was one of the greatest works under black comedy. The story outraged moviegoers, about a gentleman who would do anything for his wife and their child. At the expense of wealthy widows. It was believed that Orson Welles thought of the premise and wanted to direct a film about it. He had Chaplin on mind, but the comedian didn't want to act for another director. Did Chaplin bought the rights from Welles? There seemed to be many sides to the story. Variations of the same tale, not different from the source of the movie's screenplay.

The trouble with humor

"Monsieur Verdoux" originated from a folk tale on Bluebeard. He had an almost-grotesque appearance, due to his prominent beard, which scared the young ladies. One saw his sincerity when he asked for her hand. She lived like a queen in his castle. She was given the keys to all the rooms, where treasure would be found. But Bluebeard warned him not to open one room. She promised him, but curiosity prevailed. She was told that he had wives before her, and no one had an idea of their whereabouts. What she found inside that room terrified her. The floor had blood all over, with Bluebeard's past wives hanging above.

Many would see Bluebeard in Henri Désiré Landru, who was imprisoned and executed for swindling and killing elderly widows. This was Welles's basis for Monsieur Verdoux (if one side of the story was to be believed). Monsieur Verdoux was arrested, but he justified his actions (during his trial). He insisted that his deeds were nothing if compared to the atrocities that happened during World War II. Chaplin, well love and adored, became the public enemy.

The film was released in 1947, the war still fresh on the public's mind. “Monsieur Verdoux” could've been the brilliant (black) comedy, but the public still haven't got over the war. Some believed that the movie was ahead of its time. In fact, it would be considered tame by today's standard. But Chaplin don't have any regret.