In this age of realism, don't expect the charm of Chaplin, but sundry Lane (writer director actor) gives a pretty good imitation of his pioneering namesake in this low Talkie tale (dog bark & closing comments) about a street artist who witnesses an alley murder and then assumes care of the victim's 2-year old child.
Think of a story in parts Paper Moon, Midnight Cowboy & The Kid (21), but this Charles make is longer (98m), more stressful, yet, keeps you engaged on a pinch of romance (Wilson), dash of drama (kidnapping chase) and topped with poignancy in closing message on plight of the homeless. Production values in camera (Dill) & score (Marder) are high, while Dad's (Williams) final game of chance (coin flip) adds whimsy of days long gone. And watch for an early Edie Falco as half a kissing couple in carriage (3/4).
Think of a story in parts Paper Moon, Midnight Cowboy & The Kid (21), but this Charles make is longer (98m), more stressful, yet, keeps you engaged on a pinch of romance (Wilson), dash of drama (kidnapping chase) and topped with poignancy in closing message on plight of the homeless. Production values in camera (Dill) & score (Marder) are high, while Dad's (Williams) final game of chance (coin flip) adds whimsy of days long gone. And watch for an early Edie Falco as half a kissing couple in carriage (3/4).