A King in New York
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| A King in New York | |
|---|---|
 Original Spanish film poster |
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| Directed by | Charles Chaplin |
| Produced by | Charles Chaplin |
| Written by | Charles Chaplin |
| Starring | Charles Chaplin Dawn Addams Maxine Audley Jerry Desmonde Oliver Johnston Michael Chaplin |
| Music by | Charles Chaplin |
| Release date(s) | September 12, 1957 |
| Running time | 110 min |
| Language | English |
| IMDb profile | |
A King in New York is a 1957 film directed by and starring Charles Chaplin in his last leading role, which presents a satirical view of certain aspects of United States politics and society. The film was produced in Europe after Chaplin's exile from the US in 1952. It did not open in the United States until the early 1970s.
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[edit] Plot
"One of the minor annoyances in modern life is a revolution." Due to a revolution in his country, King Igor Shahdov (Charlie Chaplin) comes to New York City with almost no money, his securities having been stolen by his own Prime Minister. He tries to contact the Atomic Commission with his ideas for using atomic power to create a utopia. At a dinner party, some of which is televised live (unbeknownst to him), he reveals he's had some experience in the theater. He's approached to do TV commercials but doesn't like the idea. Later, he does make a few commercials in order to get some money. Invited to speak at a progressive school, he meets Rupert Macabee (Michael Chaplin), editor of the school paper, a ten-year-old historian who gives him a stern anarchist lecture. Although Rupert himself says he distrusts all forms of government, his parents are communists. Shahdov is subsequently suspected as a communist himself and has to face one of McCarthy's hearings. He is cleared of all charges and decides to join his estranged queen in Paris for a reconciliation. But Rupert's parents are jailed, and authorities force the child to reveal the names of his parents' friends. Grieving and guilt-ridden, he is presented to King Shahdov as a "patriot". Shadov reassures him that the anti-communist scare is a lot of nonsense, and invites him to come to Europe with his parents for a visit.
In addition to its condemnation of HUAC's methods, the film takes witty potshots at American commercialism, popular music and film. A dinner party scene includes a number of satirical portrayals of actors and public figures of the period, including Sophie Tucker; and the King attends a film preview for Man or Woman? (Glen or Glenda).
[edit] Reception
The film did well in Europe, but its lack of US distribution severely hampered its commercial impact. Even today, fans and critics are sharply divided over the film's merits. Many consider it a bitter throwaway, while just as many consider it Chaplin's masterpiece.
[edit] Cast
Charles Chaplin ... King Shahdov
Maxine Audley ... Queen Irene
Jerry Desmonde ... Prime Minister Voudel
Oliver Johnston ... Ambassador Jaume
Dawn Addams ... Ann Kay - TV Specialist
Sid James ... Johnson - TV Advertiser (billed as Sidney James)
Joan Ingram ... Mona Cromwell - Hostess
Michael Chaplin ... Rupert Macabee
John McLaren ... Macabee Senior
Phil Brown ... Headmaster
Harry Green ... Lawyer
Robert Arden ... Liftboy
Alan Gifford ... School Superintendent
Robert Cawdron ... U.S. Marshal
George Woodbridge ... Member of Atomic Commission
