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Poster for Monsieur Verdoux

Monsieur Verdoux

A Comedy of Murders.

1947 · 2h 4m · Approved Comedy, Crime, Drama
Directed by Charlie Chaplin

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Overview

The film is about an unemployed banker, Henri Verdoux, and his sociopathic methods of attaining income. While being both loyal and competent in his work, Verdoux has been laid-off. To make money for his wife and child, he marries wealthy widows and then murders them. His crime spree eventually works against him when two particular widows break his normal routine.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
97%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Perfection? Arguably not; Verdoux has clunky moments and some flat casting, but with an able assist from the great comedian Martha Raye, Chaplin's latter-day greatness is readily apparent.

Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times
Fresh

Monsieur Verdoux is the spirit of modernity taken to its darkest extreme. It may be immortal.

Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York
Fresh

In its uncanny depiction of a weakling whose crimes pale against those of the war-mad society around him, it's a near masterpiece.

Sara Cardace, New York Magazine/Vulture
Fresh

An engrossingly wry and paradoxical film, screamingly funny in places, sentimental in others, sometimes slow and devoted to an unusually serious and sobering argument.

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Fresh

A film of serene elegance and sharp teeth.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

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