He was once called the funniest man in the world. This would be appropriate for Charlie Chaplin. His creation, The Little Tramp, defines the word pathos. Chaplin became world famous. His character appeared in many shorts and several features. This fame could have been enough. Chaplin went on to other forms of comedy,such as satire with success. His most challenging film, was a project called, Monsieur Verdoux. This was not an original idea. It was based on the wife killer,Henri Landru. The idea for the story, was suggested to Chaplin, by Orson Welles. The comedian liked the idea, but wrote the script himself. He did give Welles screen credit for the idea.
Henri Verdoux was a bank clerk for over thirty years. He becomes unemployed due to the world wide depression. He doesn’t use a skill set to find another job. Verdoux manages to support his family in a very different way. He marries wealthy women, and murders them. He then uses their fortune to support himself and his family. Verdoux does this many times, without arousing too much suspicion. A police detective finally takes notice of Verdoux. He manages to continue his murderous ways, by poisoning the detective.
Verdoux almost changes his ways when he meets The Girl,(Marilyn Nash). The murderer wants to test a poison he’s concocted on her. He changes his mind, when she tells her sad story. The girl was taking care of her terminally ill father, until he died and she became homeless. Verdoux gives her a large sum of money. This causes her to break down in tears, over his kindness. Verdoux later runs into her in Paris, but shuns her, because she is pure and good. Later in the film, she meets with Verdoux in a nightclub. The girl says that her situation has changed. She has married a wealthy man, and is happy. She looks on Verdoux as a very kind man. He explains to her, that he has lost everything: his invalid wife and son and his fortune. She wishes to help him, like he helped her. Unfortunately, Verdoux is recognized, and decides not to leave. He has lost everything, and has no reason to live.
Charles Chaplin wasn’t known for the dialogue in most of his films. His little tramp never spoke, even after sound. This is a testament to his skills, and the respect studios gave him. Monsieur Verdoux shows the writing talent of Chaplin. He gives his insights on life and death through his character and others. He has very interesting thoughts about religion. His words after receiving the death sentence, are profound, he says, “I will see you all very soon.” The dialogue in the film, might have been stronger, if Orson Welles had scripted it. Chaplin’s ego wouldn’t allow it. The movie still is a very credible dark comedy, with a stinging commentary on society.
Charlie Chaplin did not receive critical success from this film. One critic did see the merits in the movie. That person was James Agee. He praised it as being one of the best movies he ever saw. Agee is one of the best reviewers of his time. He was also a screen writer and won a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for literature. The movie is not Chaplin’s best. Monsieur Verdoux does stand out as one of the better commentaries about life and death.