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Charly (1968)

Charly (1968)
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In 1961, Cliff Robertson starred in The Two Worlds of Charley Gordon, a TV adaptation of Daniel Keyes' story Flowers for Algernon. Determined not to lose out on the film version of this play as he'd done with Days of Wine and Roses, Robertson bought up the movie rights to Keyes' story so that he and he alone would star. This determination paid off in the form of the Best Actor Academy Award for Robertson in 1968. The star plays Charly, a 30-year-old mentally retarded bakery worker. Neurosurgeon Dr. Richard Nemur (Leon Janney) and psychiatrist Dr. Anna Straus (Lilia Skala) approach Charly and ask him to participate in an experiment. Previously, Dr. Nemur was able to accelerate the intelligence of a mouse named Algernon by performing a radical new form of brain surgery; could not such a procedure work on a human being? As a result, Charly not only achieves normal intelligence, but also becomes a genius. Emboldened by his new mental status, Charly proposes marriage to his very receptive special-ed teacher (Claire Bloom). Alas, Charly notices that Algernon has begun to regress, and he reasons that he also will return to his old developmentally challenged state. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Cliff Robertson, Claire Bloom, (more)
Director(s):
Ralph Nelson
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Charly

In 1961, Cliff Robertson starred in The Two Worlds of Charley Gordon, a TV adaptation of Daniel Keyes' story Flowers for Algernon. Determined not to lose out on the film version of this play as he'd done with Days of Wine and Roses, Robertson bought up the movie rights to Keyes' story so that he and he alone would star. This determination paid off in the form of the Best Actor Academy Award for Robertson in 1968. The star plays Charly, a 30-year-old mentally retarded bakery worker. Neurosurgeon Dr. Richard Nemur (Leon Janney) and psychiatrist Dr. Anna Straus (Lilia Skala) approach Charly and ask him to participate in an experiment. Previously, Dr. Nemur was able to accelerate the intelligence of a mouse named Algernon by performing a radical new form of brain surgery; could not such a procedure work on a human being? As a result, Charly not only achieves normal intelligence, but also becomes a genius. Emboldened by his new mental status, Charly proposes marriage to his very receptive special-ed teacher (Claire Bloom). Alas, Charly notices that Algernon has begun to regress, and he reasons that he also will return to his old developmentally challenged state. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
104 mins

Complete Cast of Charly


Director(s):
Ralph Nelson
Writer(s):
Stirling Silliphant
Producer(s):
Ralph Nelson
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Questionable for Children, Brief Nudity, Adult Language, Adult Situations)
Charly Awards:
  • 1968 - National Board of Review - Best Actor
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    Member Reviews
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    JohnK W.

    I saw this as a kid, and wanted to see it again. I wish a lot of our movies today, can go back with some new ideas not shown in other movies. It is a reason I like to watch M. Night's movies. Great original ideas and they are all different. A bit dated, but good acting. It reminded me a bit of the movie Awakenings that came out years later.

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    Cd S.

    Typically seen as a drama it really is science fiction. The story is about a man who is mentally challenged that endures an operation and treatments that enhance his intellect to amazing lengths. It is also about the people in his life and how this effects them as well. This is not a sophisticated, action packed, effects riddled film. If one needs that for entertainment this film will not be enjoyed. More recentt adaptaions of the book (Flowers For Algernon) have not been as good in my opinion - but then again NONE of them compare to the book. If after watching the film you find you liked it you should read the book. Oh, yes, this IS Cliff Robertson's best work.

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    John H.

    The ethical issues presented in this film are timeless. Each character has his own agenda, and it is easy to find the villain(s), as well as the saint(s). As usual, the scientific community blusters that it knows all, but either it doesn't, or carefully hides some information so as to appear innocent when some grand scheme, base on some questionable "scientific finding" goes awry.... Good flick!

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