''The Circus'', 1928 - art by Hap Hadley is a mixed media by Movie World Posters which was uploaded on May 27th, 2021.
''The Circus'', 1928 - art by Hap Hadley
A vintage movie poster reprint of ''The Circus'', a silent comedy film released in 1928, written, directed by, and starring the iconic comedian... more
Title
''The Circus'', 1928 - art by Hap Hadley
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Posters
Description
A vintage movie poster reprint of ''The Circus'', a silent comedy film released in 1928, written, directed by, and starring the iconic comedian Charlie Chaplin. It is one of Chaplin's most celebrated and enduring works and is often regarded as one of the greatest silent films ever made.
The film tells the story of a down-on-his-luck tramp, portrayed by Charlie Chaplin, who accidentally becomes the star attraction of a traveling circus. The tramp's physical comedy and clumsiness inadvertently create laughter and applause from the audience, making him a sensation in the circus world. He falls in love with the circus owner's daughter, played by Merna Kennedy, and the film explores their romantic relationship.
"The Circus" is renowned for its masterful use of physical comedy and slapstick humor, with Chaplin's impeccable timing and acrobatic skills on full display. One of the film's most iconic sequences involves the tramp trying to perform in a hall of mirrors, leading to a hilarious and visually stunning series of comedic mishaps.
Despite its comedic elements, "The Circus" also contains moments of poignancy and social commentary. The tramp's character is a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, and the film touches on themes of poverty, hardship, and the pursuit of happiness.
One interesting aspect of "The Circus" is that it was released during the transition from silent films to "talkies," or films with synchronized sound. Although it was originally conceived as a silent film, Chaplin added a synchronized music score and sound effects to the film for its release, making it one of his few hybrid silent-sound films.
"The Circus" received critical acclaim upon its release and was a commercial success. It won Chaplin his first and only competitive Academy Award, an honorary award for versatility and genius in acting, writing, directing, and producing. The film remains a beloved classic of the silent era and a testament to Charlie Chaplin's enduring legacy as a cinematic genius.
About the artist:
Alvan "Hap" Hadley (March 16, 1895 – August 4, 1976) born in Findlay, Illinois, was an American artist specializing in pen and ink work, including a variety of movie posters.
His art career began while serving with the Marines in World War I. He created a few comic strips about Marine heroes, appearing in national newspapers. During the 1920s, he tried his hand as a stage actor, performing in New York venues.
In 1924, he worked as a freelance artist with D. W. Griffith directing "America." Hadley then opened an advertising and graphics studio specializing in movie and theater advertising, including posters. His studio remained active for 30 years.
Buster Keaton's "The General" (1926) and Charlie Chaplin's "The Circus" (1928) were among his posters. He also made promotional posters for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and billboards for cowboy actor Roy Rogers.
Uploaded
May 27th, 2021