Charly

1968

1h 43m

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

107

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Drama

Romance

Science Fiction

An experiment on a simpleton turns him into a genius. When he discovers what has been done to him he struggles with whether or not what was done to him was right.

Directors

Ralph Nelson

Writers

Stirling Silliphant(screenplay by)

Daniel Keyes(novel by)

Stars

Cliff Robertson

Claire Bloom

Lilia Skala

See production, box office & company info

Top cast

Charlie Gordon

Alice Kinian

Dr. Anna Straus

Dr. Richard Nemur

Mrs. Apple

Bert

Gimpy

Hank

Joey

Paddy

Young Woman (uncredited)

Leon Collins

Tap Dancer (uncredited)

Harry Cooper

Conference Attendee (uncredited)

Frank Dolan

Eddie (uncredited)

Randee Lynne Jensen

Woman (uncredited)

Ralph Nelson

Convention Speaker (uncredited)

Donald Warnock

Conference Attendee (uncredited)

Directors

Ralph Nelson

Writers

Stirling Silliphant(screenplay by)

Daniel Keyes(novel by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Cliff Robertson is at the top of his game as the eponymous character who has learning difficulties. He has been attending night classes under "Dr. Kilman" (Claire Bloom) for almost two years, determined to improve his reading and writing, and it is she who thinks it might be possible to get him onto a scientifically-backed course that could ultimately result in profoundly correctional surgery. He has to struggle and work hard - often trying to outfox a genetically altered mouse - to convince "Dr. Straus" (Lilia Skala) and "Dr. Nemur" (Leon Janney) that he is suitable - and that's whilst, meantime, holding down a job at a bakery where his colleagues are not averse to rather cruel and thoughtless practical jokes. Eventually, he prevails but is what emerges from the surgery really sustainable? This is one of those stories where the underlying morals seeking conformity and acceptance are merged with the promise of largely unfettered scientific advances that pay scant regard to any broader or future ramifications of their progress. It's a bit of a slow start, but an effective chemistry gradually develops between "Charly" and his doctor as the ethics start to kick in and we all begin to wonder if (or not) this engaging character is on the right path. It's quite thought provoking at times and the dialogue and direction provide a film that offers us choices - it's not just black and white judgement or analysis. Not always an easy film to watch, but worth it, I'd say.

Geronimo196704 Jan, 2024