bacardi_ben Review of A Countess from Hong Kong

A Countess from Hong Kong (1967)

The final film of Charlie Chaplin - a delightful romantic comedy

[7/10 · 20 December 2007]

I Cannot understand why A Countess From Hong Kong was so hated by critics when it premiered in January 1967. I have watched it several times and admittedly don't regard it as Chaplin's best work but it is far from a bad film. For 1967 the film would have been old fashioned but surely that means that 40 years later in 2007 the film should be even more old fashioned but it is still an enjoyable film. The bedroom-farce which is what the film mainly focus around even gave me some big belly laughs. When the doorbell rings over and over again which finds even Marlon Brando's character hiding even though he is supposed to be in the bedroom got me laughing more and more each time it happened. The film also has a love story which develops throughout the film although not realised to near the end. Chaplin himself makes a small cameo as a seasick old steward which is one of the funniest highlights of the film. The music score itself is a reason to watch the film - one of the theme songs 'This Is My Song' reached number 1 in 1967 when sung by Petula Clark. If you are a fan of Chaplin then definitely see A Countess From Hong Kong because it is his final film, because it is his first film in colour, because Sophia Loren and Sydney Chaplin act extremely well and aspects of Chaplin's performance style can be seen in them. Fans of Marlon Brando don't bother watching although he does have some OK moments. All in all not a bad film but not a brilliant film, but not bad for a director aged 77.