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"The Circus" 209
The little dinner was a success; Merna became Chaplin's new leading lady.
In making "The Circus," Chaplin spared no pains — or costs — to achieve complete realism. The costs, reputedly, ran to $900,000. A complete circus, — tent, equipment, wagons, a small zoo, trainers and the rest — was set up and maintained for more than a year. Special high platforms were built to photograph action on the high wire. Chaplin himself practiced wire-walking for several months to become quite expert, and Merna Kennedy trained herself to ride bareback.
"The Circus" was produced during the most trying period of the Lita Grey divorce proceedings with its protracted litigation and scandals. Not only were there frequent interruptions but his domestic troubles prevented full concentration on his work. However, by the end of 1926, most of the picture was shot and edited. He hoped to finish it by March of the following year and to open it in New York soon after, but was balked by the litigation which attached the film. Work was stopped; Chaplin went to New York; and for some time it was not certain that the film would ever be finished. With the divorce settlement negotiated, Chaplin, after nearly a year of troubled inactivity, returned to the studio and with great effort, finished the picture. It finally opened January 7, 1928.
"The Circus" added nothing to Chaplin's reputation but the general public found it entertaining. It employed the old comedy tricks, improved here with new twists. The more captious missed the poetry, brilliance, and feeling of "The Gold Rush." The new comedy did not seem as inspired; at times its slapstick is dragged out and mechanical. The story line, though it offers and takes advantage of opportunities for broad humor and clever gags, is rather contrived and slips into some dull moments.