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This blistering little black comedy was well ahead of its time when released in 1947. Originally, Orson Welles had wanted Chaplin to star in his drama about a French mass murderer named Landru, but Chaplin was hesitant to act for another director and used the idea himself. He plays a dapper gent named Henri Verdoux (who assumes a number of identities), a civilised monster who marries wealthy women, then murders them (as we meet him, he's gathering roses as an incinerator ominously bellows smoke in the background) and collects their money to support his real family. The Little Tramp is now a distant memory, though this was the first film not to feature Chaplin's beloved creation. Verdoux is largely viciously clever. Ultimately, Chaplin breaks character (much as he did in The Great Dictator) to preach to the masses, declaring that against the machines of war that grip the planet, humble killer Verdoux is "an amateur by comparison."
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
This black comedy made in 1947, stars Charlie as a blue beard murderer who marries women, kills them and then takes their money! This film fell heavily to the cencors but fails to lose the magic. This is without doubt Chaplin's most witty and cunning film, he displays great intelligence and knowledge of life in the classic Monsieur Verdoux. When he is caught at the end and put on trial he pleads guilty but tells the court, who is really guilty, a single man or the machines and bombs designed to destroy and kill thousands at a time in war. This was another of Chaplin's films about opinion and how he saw life. A great film! A MUST buy!
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By Michael Bo
Format:DVD
This was the film that ultimately did Chaplin in, the one that made sure that he wasn't allowed back into the States, once he had left for a trip to England. 'Verdoux' is an elegant, slightly fuzzy, but well-meaning and well-scripted Bluebeard-comedy with Chaplin in the lead, killing off rich, middle-aged women that he marries, having lost all his money in the big crash of '29. "I am but an amateur when it comes to killing", he says, more or less, in his defense, implying very overtly that the big warfaring nations are the true killers. It is sad how little the world changes, if the Americans got a second chance to get back at Chaplin here and now, they would, with a vengeance. Chaplin thought patriotism was sheer stupidity, and look where we are now. Buy this film, it has historical and artistic significance, the transfer is excellent, and the DVD is crammed with enlightening extras.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. Jp White
Format:DVD
In my opinion this is the very best film Chaplin ever made, I love his early silent film work and the Great Dictator is a very important, well made and influential film. However for me this film is the best of the best. It is both funny and dark, Chaplin was a genious before his time, America viewed him as a great threat because he gave an alternative view of society through this movie, and the message in this 50 year old movie is just as applicable today. Men like George Bush and Tony Blair have contributed to the deaths of thousands (hundreds of thousands) of people throught their actions and decisions yet they face no trial. In Chaplins words... One death makes a vilan millions a hero, numbers sanctify. Charlie Chaplin gave a very strong and valid message in this film and I believe he was very brave to do so.
A master at his very best, a fantastic film.
A master at his very best, a fantastic film.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Numbers Sanctify"
This review is extracted from my extended essay (2010): An appraisal of Charles Chaplin's Monsieur Verdoux. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Wilberfalse
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chaplin at his best
Not one of Chaplin's well known films but after the Great Dictator this I feel is one of his best.
A sheer delight.
A sheer delight.
Published 4 months ago by David Knopov
3.0 out of 5 stars
Reveals much about Chaplin
According to the commentary included with this 1947 film, Chaplin considered Monsieur Verdoux one of his best films. Read more
Published on 15 Dec 2008 by Michael W. Perry
3.0 out of 5 stars
Reveals much about Chaplin
According to the commentary included with this 1947 film, Chaplin considered Monsieur Verdoux one of his best films. Read more
Published on 15 Dec 2008 by Michael W. Perry
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