5. Monsieur Verdoux Flop and HUAC Persecution Scott Eyman Charlie Chaplin versus America: When Art, Sex, and Politics Collided Chaplin purchased the idea for Monsieur Verdoux from Orson Welles, but the 1947 film—a dark comedy about a serial killer—became
Season 1, Episode 28, Oct 26, 01:19 AM
Share
Subscribe
5. Monsieur Verdoux Flop and HUAC Persecution
Scott Eyman
Charlie Chaplin versus America: When Art, Sex, and Politics Collided
Chaplin purchased the idea for Monsieur Verdoux from Orson Welles, but the 1947 film—a dark comedy about a serial killer—became his first commercial failure, released at an inopportune moment following World War II. Though the FBI had surveilled Chaplin and confirmed he was not a Communist, they sought to remove him due to his politics and what they deemed his "flamboyant sex life." HUAC avoided calling him to testify in order to maintain their narrative. Gossip columnist Hedda Hopper personally pursued a negative campaign against him, projecting her loathing of her ex-husband onto Chaplin.
1921
Scott Eyman
Charlie Chaplin versus America: When Art, Sex, and Politics Collided
Chaplin purchased the idea for Monsieur Verdoux from Orson Welles, but the 1947 film—a dark comedy about a serial killer—became his first commercial failure, released at an inopportune moment following World War II. Though the FBI had surveilled Chaplin and confirmed he was not a Communist, they sought to remove him due to his politics and what they deemed his "flamboyant sex life." HUAC avoided calling him to testify in order to maintain their narrative. Gossip columnist Hedda Hopper personally pursued a negative campaign against him, projecting her loathing of her ex-husband onto Chaplin.
1921