March 20, 2014

In this brilliant black comedy we see Charlie Chaplin as we’ve rarely seen him before. Chaplin plays Henri Verdoux, a loyal bank teller who is laid off after thirty years of exemplary service. To continue to support his beloved wife and child, he turns to crime. He marries and murders a series of wealthy widows.

He is eventually caught and convicted. But before being led to his death, he dismisses his killing of a few, as no worse than the killing of many in war, for which others are honored. This philosophical film was originally received far better in Europe than in America — and has become something of a cult movie.