The making and unmaking of Charlie Chaplin's 'A Countess from Hong Kong'

[@Jilli8310]

Nice upload, glad I found it. I love my Charlie ❤ I don't listen to critics. Look at how they bashed "Monsieur Verdoux", and I loved that movie. I adore anything Chaplin, I have never been disappointed. I recently read his autobiography and I take offense at the remarks of those who refer to him as "difficult" or those who say he didn't know what he was doing in his earlier years. People who said he had no clue how to direct or make movies. That's a load of bs, he knew exactly what he was doing, he just had a very specific way. These are simply people who do not know him, understand him, understand how his mind worked, or his personality. I tend to agree with his view that if the audience knows too much about how films are made, it takes the magic from the experience. It certainly was true in my case. I pick apart everything in films now. After reading his book, I do agree that in the beginning it took a bit to find his groove and he most definitely suffered from some type of melancholia throughout his life. People should stop applying the present 21st century way of thinking to someone who lived and was getting their footing 100+ years ago.❤

[@sam0xin]

Who knows those critics ? Chaplin was and IS AND WILL REMAIN as a GENIUS and a TIMELESS MASTER in cinematography ‼️

[@cocotazourbano2006]

I do love this film! I don't pay attention to the critics.

[@Kexgoija]

Love it, too! It's so nostalgic and warm.

[@goback3spaces]

I saw it on TV years ago. Not great but very sweet and charming. It doesn't deserve its bad reputation. The thing I remember most is the way Sydney looked and moved--so much like his father.

[@goback3spaces]

I agree with the people who feel this movie is underrated. I haven't seen it in years, but I remember enjoying it. Sydney Chaplin was delightful in it!

[@boopkid]

Thank you for this thoughtful and reverent documentary on this lovely swan song by the great Charlie Chaplin. I enjoyed the film and loved Sophia Loren as the countess!

[@annfrancis1554]

I absolutely love love this movie. I watch it once a month. Beautiful music and I loved every actor

[@71crm]

It sounds like Chaplin would have made a great animator-just from hearing about how meticulous he was about how actors should move and how many steps they should take-that's what an animator does.

[@AriaMohtadiHaghighi]

This is a supremely underrated movie imo. ; not only are Sophia Loren and Brando great in their comedic timing and have great screen chemistry, but Chaplin's son is also great in the movie. And the ending is one that sticks with you.

[@rozetalami6289]

This is one of my childhood films. I completely love it. Do not care of what critics say.

[@elasticharmony]

useful and clearly thought out

[@Kimmomurmu]

It may be that the missing exposition is included in the 12-15 minutes that Chaplin cut from the film after the disastrous premiere. Seems like we'll never know. The film Chaplin wanted to make after Countess was called The Freak. It was to star Chaplin's daughter Victoria, but she ran away to get married, and Chaplin got too old. A summary of the content at Wikipedia and the theme song meant for the film are in the description.

[@WalterAurora]

One of my favorites. Great music written by Chaplin. She's stunning...

[@akumar7366]

I think if one considers the personal chemistry of Sophie lorean and Cary Grant, that combination might made this a more memorable movie.

[@anncarper8163]

This has actually sparked my interest in seeing it!

[@CYNLAGASCA]

Loren is tops in talent and a real pro in any types of role. Much like Audrey Hepburn and Chaplin. That's why they are icons!

[@LePrince1890]

Thanks for explaining the failure. I always wondered why he made this film. Loren has defended it as an elegant comedy.

[@dseanmat]

I actually enjoyed this film very much. Okay, so it isn't City Lights; but it isn't trying to be. It's a souffle. If you meet it on its own terms and accept it for what it is, a door-slamming farce, it is very funny and entertaining.

[@gracious1111]

Yes, it sort of reminded me of the screwball comedies of the 30s and 40s. I could see as I watching Cary Grant or even Chaplin himself as the lead. I'm not sure what was missing to push it over the edge to be really funny, but it was still a pleasure to watch.

[@Kexgoija]

Thank you. The title song reminds me so of Chaplin . So much more romantic than SMILE. The soundtrack is so warm.

[@mauricioexenberger6225]

As it is a film of Chaplin expected more comedy than romance. That isn't what happens unfortunately. But Chaplin doesn't disappoint. The story is very busy and packed by competent soundtrack, which was successful at the time. Like Chaplin, I preferred Cary Grant along with the ever-efficient and charismatic Sophia, but by then Grant was retired. With a naturalistic style, Brando doesn't always act as a romantic movie go-lucky man should behave. He even belches the scene. Something that still clashes with audacity. However, at the best of times, Brando recalls the 1930-40 idol, Charles Boyer. Don't miss the participation of veteran actress Margaret Rutherford. Priceless! John Huston visited Chaplin on his birthday during the production of this film. They both met when Huston was a child and very sick. Chaplin found out and went to visit the boy, who was in the same hotel. It was only that day, several decades later, that Houston told Chaplin that he was the sick boy.

[@MimiYouyu]

I like this film , it was panned due to it not being on trend at a time of serious change, it has weathered time and stands up, as a romantic , farce with strong political/social statements embroidered right through it. Its a pity to hear that there were tensions. I think it is the very thing that made it all work.Brando is so funny because he is cast so differently than usual and is so uncomfortable in it, Chaplin made Sofia look great, in every way , good casting, she handled Brando with ease and grace.His son was fantastic in it. I would like to see it on the big screen one day. Its actually very contempory in its emotional delivery , and strong female charachter.

[@stephaniestanley8041]

That beautiful song.

[@WalterAurora]

Regardless of the general opinion, I love this movie. The funny scenes, Sophia, and of course the music.

[@Kimmomurmu]

No problem. I think Chaplin wanted to do something completely different. I don't know exactly what, but I think there's a lot of subtleties that haven't been there before. Unlike his previous sound films, he avoided being preachy and actually questions preachiness in Brando's speeches to the press. Also, the romantic side of it is quite vague; the ending isn't necessarily that happy. All in all, Chaplin called this his most rebellious film and said himself the ending is a bit unclear.

[@garrettbays6942]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for posting this! I never can find enough information on this enjoyable film, besides what I've read in the book The Music of Charlie Chaplin, and a few other sources. I thought that when the Blu-Ray was released, there would be some features about the film. While the transfer of the film was incredible (bringing out Ibbetson's superb color cinematography), there, of course, were no features. I had no clue Chaplin cut the film down; this was probably mentioned in the book noted earlier, and I may have forgotten. It definitely explains some of the awkward editing and scene transitions. However, I am always overlooking the flaws because I enjoy the film so much. The soundtrack is my favorite out of all the other soundtracks from Chaplin (I would enjoy Monsieur Verdux more often, but sadly, there was not a decent source for the film's soundtrack, so what is currently available is all there is). Again, thank you for posting this brilliant documentary!

[@rossharmonics]

Niow that it's uploaded on KZbin, I've seen it for the first time. I always had some trepidation about seeing it and, as a result, was quite surprised how enjoyable it is. I've now watched it three times and I think it gets funnier each time. It definitely should not be dismissed. I could say much more about what is good in the film.

[@Kimmomurmu]

I agree about the music. I'm thinking about contacting MCA about releasing a proper CD rerelease of the soundtrack. The version available on iTunes is copied (by somebody?) from a scratchy vinyl LP.

[@unsenso]

Please let me know and I’ll contact them too.

[@jessiejames7492]

Petula Clark recorded a hit song with that chaplin composition: This is my song. I only learnt he wrote this a few years ago

[@Kimmomurmu]

It's a shame the music hasn't been issued on CD. There's such a boom of even some of the most esoteric and obscure soundtrack releases that it's wonder this one hasn't come out yet. Chaplin's music is very elegant and worthy of proper release.

[@CYNLAGASCA]

Well, this generation appreciates the movie! With all violence, gore, sex and liberation of today, this funny and romantic movie is a welcome treat. Loren is comedic like good old Chaplin gestures. Brando is obviously not enjoying his role though.

[@ednapurviance2997]

I love you Charlie my dear

[@Jilli8310]

I know this is an old comment but I just had to reply. I love the name! ❤ I think he really did love Edna, but I think he was not ready to get married at the time, he didn't even want to marry his first wife. I think he really respected Edna and was embarrassed when she found out about Mildred. I love his book, a great read! 😊

[@johnpjones182]

I just watched it for the first time in years (a decade maybe). Margaret Rutherford gets the biggest laughs doing her standard Dotty Old Lady bit. I like Sophia, but Brando belongs in dramas (he's amazing in "The Wild One"). Nice to see Chaplin's pretty daughters Geraldine, Josephine & Victoria if much too briefly.

[@jairoantoniomendez5506]

Tremendo Privilegio en su muy Brillante Portafolio el de Sophia Loren el de haber sido Escogida por el Genial Maestro Charlie Chaplin como su Interprete en el que seria su Ultimo Paso no solo Como Actor y Director en El Cine Mundial y para este Titan debio ser muy Duro ver que su Ultima Pelicula fue Destrozada por la Critica Mundial Tildandola de Anticuada. lo que si para Sophia un Verdadero Tesoro es que las Imagenes de Chaplin y Marlon Brando y ella Misma son ya Dignas de Coleccion de este Clasico de estas Legendarias Mega Estrellas del Cine Mundial.

[@b3rn41987]

excellent film thank you

[@jairoantoniomendez5506]

Yo no me Alanzo a Imaginar el Nerviosismo y la Sorpresa que Sintio Sophia Loren al Recibir la Visita en su propia casa y al Abrirle ella Misma la Puerta y ver Asombrada al Santo Patron de la Risa el genial Charlie Chaplin y ver que en sus Manos le Llevaba un Ramo de Flores y donde le Propuso ser la protagonista del que seria su Obra Postuma. y ese Emotivo e Historico Encuentro nos relata Maravillosamente la Loren en su Biografia "Viviendo y Amando " de Editorial Bruguera.

[@vinifebriantiputri944]

Je T'aime Charlie 😍😻❤💋

[@Tiranawest]

The whole world loved this film as a masterpiece. Noone cares for shallow critics and spoiled little crowd that had the chance of a lifetime to watch the premiere on cinema

[@wendythompson6323]

I'm sure the audiences of today would appreciate it.

[@AventuraLuver]

Thanks for uploading :)

[@jairoantoniomendez5506]

Estupendo " Detras de Camaras" dela ultima pelicula en El Septimo Arte del Inmortal Charlie Chaplin con La bellisima Sophia Loren a quien Chaplin Busco como su Protagonista de " La Condesa de Hong Kong" despues de haberla Visto en ese Super Clasico " Ayer Hoy y Mañana" Film del genial Vittorio de Sica de tres Episodios con la Loren y el Inolvidable Marcello Mastroianni.

[@Alexa-2004]

someone knows the name of the actress of the minute 9:06? Pleaseee

[@kimmoraisanen2488]

Angela Pringle

[@aliciadematteis7181]

I loved this film. Sophia Loren was great in it. It was very funny. I think Marlon Brandon was the one that failed.

[@elizabethmanno7365]

I like to buy a DVD of the countess of hong Kong. Please send me one. I already have one but I want another for a friend. Thank you.

[@dannytorrance4024]

Kiss me.

[@azores-pv6ft]

I loved the story. The music is also magical. The hell with cretics. These cretics never made a film themselves.

[@WakandaBabe]

I saw this in the movies when it first came out. It really is not a good movie...very dated, choppy editing, etc. BUT years later I bought it on dvd just because it is one of my favorite bad movies. I love the music.

[@Kimmomurmu]

From what I've read, Chaplin seriously considered Sellers for Hudson, but didn't want to overload the film with stars.

[@ssamu7]

That was an excellent decision in my opinion. Thus, this remains the main male characters' order in terms of charisma: Brando, Sydney Chaplin, and Hudson's actor. Sellers would have upset this hierarchy and I don't know if it could have worked otherwise.

[@joseejaja279]

It may have pan due to it's association with Chaplin. If you take away the expectation of seeing a Chaplin movie, you will find that this movie has a lot to offer. I found Sophia Loren to be convincing especially when she decides to accept her faith and that all his lost. I think Marlon Brando was a very good match for Sophia. He seemed to be under her spell...who wouldn't be! Weather or not they got along has no bearing on the outcome. They are both professional and very good in their respective roles. I truly enjoyed this movie and I am greatfull for the explanation. Thanks for sharing.

[@tob8848]

Just saw it on bluray. This film is a nice one, but probably also a missed opportunity as it could have been a really great film. I imagine it would have worked better either as an old school chamber play, like Hotel Paradiso 1966, but then not with Marlon Brando but a comical actor like Alex Guiness. Or otherwise as a late 60s modern film with on the scene shootings really in Hong-Kong, on a Cruise Ship and in Hawaii with more camera action capturing the beautiful scenery (not the visible painted backgrounds). Also, some scenes could have been cut like the ones with the "educated girl" which are pretty pointless... Anyways, still a nice one to watch and so much better than todays big study cinema!

[@Kimmomurmu]

My pleasure! :)

[@bournville511]

Why did you never make any more docs about the making of films? this has so many views!

[@joycecesarpirespires6663]

Thank you

[@Lampshade51]

Yes, not a great film by any means, but quite enjoyable and hardly the total cinematic disaster that reviewers of the 1960s thought. I think that when the film was released (1967) there was such a rush toward the new cinematic freedoms of edginess and language, that a straight romantic story was considered passe. As we have found in later years, there is room for both.

[@omertaword583]

Αγαπω μονο τον Μαρλον Μπραντο χαράμισε το ταλεντο του σε μια χαζη ταινια με μια συμπρωταγωνίστρια πολυ κατωτερη του .Μας λειπεις Μαρλον

[@LePrince1890]

Perhaps he said so because he felt it was the only way to explain the resulting film. Perhaps if he had the cast he wanted it would have been a better film, but I feel that there were missing chuncks of story exposition. Chaplin did plan on one further film - a comedy that involved a boy trying to get the world to adopt permanent peace and wearing the wings of an angel (literally). His younger children were to star, and it was never made.

[@MrRaazi]

Who's listening in 2019 ??

[@mashtali1]

Working with Chaplin, Sophia Loren becomes Chaplin...

[@talcumpowder1000]

Really enjoyable and well made mini documentary. It was a flat and anachronistic film bulldozed by Brandon's even flatter acting. Patrick Cargill and Margaret Rutherford's appearances help to redeem it

[@8lata]

Haha he should have filmed the phone book. Chaplin let himself fown.

[@xylfox]

10:39 TheTtimes is right: Ingenious comedian.lousy director(in films in which he is not playing(cameo doesn´t count))

[@babette174]

i wish they diden't put the silly musik in the backround

[@angelallarenagonzalez8494]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤❤😘🙋

[@WakandaBabe]

The music as it's in the movie. I hated the Petula Clark version.

[@josephkearny5874]

Brando sucks at comedy

[@goofkat1737]

fan boi Andrew sarris ONLY liked the lousy countess movie cause chaplin directed it----fan boi chaplin also like Alfred Hitchcock's awful "topaz'----while hating james bond movies and hammer horror movies during same 1960s

[@Kimmomurmu]

My pleasure! :)