This two disc set is an important collection of theme music and songs from the iconic film career of Charlie Chaplin. The two discs are divided by his 1931-52 Hollywood career and his 1957-76 exile in Switzerland. The first disc is from movies we are all familiar with, with the second is fascinating glimpse into the more obscured part of his career.
Selected music from City Lights, Modern Times, The Great Dictator, Gold Rush, Mosnieru Verdoux and Limelight include Chaplin singing in French during the “Nonsense Song” with some bel canto pieces like “Spring Song” and “Sardine Song” from Limelight juxtaposed with a foreboding speech from Monsieur Verdoux in Limelight and The Great Dictator respectively. Some things about politics never change. The theme “Smile” as well as the famous “Factory Scene” are intact, as well as the bright “Main Title” from The Great Dictator, along with the Wagnerian “Global Dance” and thrilling “Hungarian Dance.”
The relatively unknown music from A King In New York includes Chaplin in a bold “A Million Dollars” with his “Swing High Little Girl” from The Circus strong and dark. There are lots of vocals from other stars, such as a coy Shari Wallis in “Juke box” and a melancholy “Now That It’s Ended” by Joy Nichols.” The music itself holds up well in drama and melody, more than making up for the dated fidelity. A fascinating transport in time and location.