The Real Charlie Chaplin12A

Directed by Peter Middleton & James Spinney | USA | 2021 | 1h 54m | Starring Pearl Mackie, Jeff Rawle, Paul Ryan, Dominic Marsh

Combining unheard audio recordings, dramatic reconstructions, and personal archives, this documentary traces Charlie Chaplin’s rise from the slums of Victorian London to the heights of Hollywood superstardom. A fascinating look at the life of one of cinema’s greatest icons from the filmmakers behind the BAFTA-nominated 2016 documentary Notes On Blindness.

Reviews

‘A representative picture of Chaplin’s life and career does emerge, bolstered by plenty of wonderful clips which are allowed to speak – or more often not speak – for themselves.’
★★★★
Robbie Collin, The Telegraph

‘This snappy and searching doc makes a very solid fist of finding the man behind the Little Tramp.’
★★★★
Philip De Semlyen, Time Out

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed The Real Charlie Chaplin between March 14, 2022 and March 24, 2022.

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What else is on?

Today (Saturday 17th January)

15:00

The Mother U
1hr (inc. Q&A)
This short film combines singer-activist Peggy Seeger’s ecological song The Mother with the campaign to protect Iffley’s ancient meadow, showing how music, community action, and storytelling can inspire change. Followed by a Q&A with Peggy and the filmmakers.

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17:00

Marty Supreme 15
2h 30m
1950s New Yorker Marty Mauser dreams of becoming a table tennis legend while juggling ambition, love, and personal turmoil. Timothée Chalamet shines in Josh Safdie’s (Uncut Gems) electrifying tale of fame, obsession, and the intoxicating lure of the American Dream.

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20:15

Sentimental Value 15
2h 13m | Norwegian w/ English subtitles
Actress Nora confronts her estranged father, a famed director preparing a comeback, and reconnects with her sister. Old tensions and new ambitions collide, forcing them to face their past. Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning star in Joachim Trier’s (The Worst Person in the World) emotionally rich story of reconciliation.

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Tomorrow (Sunday 18th January)

14:15

The Elephant Man 12A
+ Introduction
2h 3m
Victorian surgeon Frederick Treves rescues severely deformed John Merrick from sideshow exploitation, discovering his intelligence and dignity. David Lynch’s atmospheric, Oscar-nominated drama turns a true story into a moving portrait of compassion and friendship that reveals the director’s visionary power.

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17:00

Peter Hujar's Day 12A
1h 16m
Peter Hujar guides writer Linda Rosenkrantz through a single, vibrant day in 1974 New York, revealing the rituals, friendships, and artistic inspirations that shape his life. Ira Sachs’ intimate period piece celebrates creativity, culture, and the city’s dynamic energy.

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19:00

Marty Supreme 15
2h 30m
1950s New Yorker Marty Mauser dreams of becoming a table tennis legend while juggling ambition, love, and personal turmoil. Timothée Chalamet shines in Josh Safdie’s (Uncut Gems) electrifying tale of fame, obsession, and the intoxicating lure of the American Dream.

Book here


Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road.We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We only show a few adverts – less than most cinemas – and we only play a couple of trailers, so please don’t be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!