Henri Verdoux (Chaplin) is a serial-killer/day-trader in this film made in the forties well before such films became cliche. He marries rich widows in order to murder them for their money so he can support his needy "true family". His character is presented sympathetically, while his victims are presented as old shrews who would likely meet a similar fate if married to anyone else.
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The review of this Movie prepared by owen mcwilliams
Monsieur Verdoux, a dapper French bank clerk, has lost his job, so he becomes a "Bluebeard" -- sweet-talking and killing lonely but wealthy women for their money to support his wheelchair-bound wife and child. Sometimes this operation goes smoothly, but with two recent targets, especially the loud and obnoxious Annabella Bonheur (Raye), who for some reason thinks he's a love, Verdoux fails repeatedly. This is a very odd 1947 black comedy that Chaplin wrote and directed after buying the idea from Orson Welles. It uncomfortably mixes slapstick, satire, serious drama and other elements, and has not worn well, but is a curio from the Chaplin oeuvre.
The review of this Movie prepared by David Loftus
Based on an Orson Welles idea, MONSIEUR VERDOUX is a movie written and directed by Charles Chaplin in 1947. The picture earned a nomination for the Academy Award in the "Best Original Screenplay" category.
The setting is France in the 20's. Charles Chaplin, after having worked during 30 years in the same bank, has been fired on economical grounds. Married to a crippled woman, he decides to survive by seducing wealthy women, marrying them and murdering them after having stolen their money. Chaplin lives a stressing life, often married to 2 or 3 wifes in the same time. But he'll lose all his money during the 1929 crash.
The review of this Movie prepared by Daniel Staebler
