A Ring for Merna
The Circus • 7m 33s
To expand on the Tramp’s love for Merna the circus rider, director Charlie Chaplin filmed a scene expressing his character’s overwhelming nervousness about giving her a ring. Presented here are outtakes of that scene, edited into their possible position in THE CIRCUS. Also included are alternate takes showing the Tramp feeling rejected after learning that Merna has fallen for the tightrope walker.
Up Next in The Circus
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Eric James on Charlie Chaplin
The following audio excerpts are from an interview with director Charlie Chaplin’s musical collaborator Eric James, recorded by Chaplin biographer Jeffrey Vance in 1998.
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“Swing Little Girl”
In 1968, when Charlie Chaplin decided to rerelease THE CIRCUS, he composed a new score and wrote a song for the film's opening credits, “Swing Little Girl.” The song was originally recorded by singer Ken Barrie, though in the end, Chaplin used a version he sang himself. Audio excerpts from the re...
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Hollywood Premiere
This brief piece of silent footage was filmed on January 27, 1928, during the star-studded Hollywood premiere of THE CIRCUS at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
