Richard Attenborough directs Robert Downey Jnr, Geraldine Chaplin and Kevin Kline in this rags-to-riches biopic of the globally famous silent film comedy star.

A whistle stop tour of all the events and controversies of Chaplin’s life. Works best when ticking off his list of doomed relationships with beautiful (often underage) ingenues. His artistic triumphs and political problems whizz past a little too fast to really make an impact. There are three or four moments where you wish we spent another dedicated half an hour. Downey Jnr is well cast.

5

Perfect Double Bill: Nickelodeon (1976)