It may be understandable that viewers would expect Brando performing as a typical Chaplin-style comedian because it is a Chaplin comedy.
From the perspective of almost 50 years later, the movie works it is because of Brando's flawless performance as a upper-class man of his era who is serious, decent and conservative. His response to a desperate but beautiful woman is accurate.
Brando's interpretation of the role of an upper-class man by his gestures, manners and intents is so accurate and consistent that makes the plot believable while allowing audience to relate to the glory of a true love happening in an impossible union.
As usual, Brando doesn't play himself, but he is in the character he is in.
If stripping out all the elements of supposedly Chaplin style of comedy, the script is well-written. It makes sense and believable.
Here even in Chaplin's supposedly lesser work, his genius shines, at least to me.
From the perspective of almost 50 years later, the movie works it is because of Brando's flawless performance as a upper-class man of his era who is serious, decent and conservative. His response to a desperate but beautiful woman is accurate.
Brando's interpretation of the role of an upper-class man by his gestures, manners and intents is so accurate and consistent that makes the plot believable while allowing audience to relate to the glory of a true love happening in an impossible union.
As usual, Brando doesn't play himself, but he is in the character he is in.
If stripping out all the elements of supposedly Chaplin style of comedy, the script is well-written. It makes sense and believable.
Here even in Chaplin's supposedly lesser work, his genius shines, at least to me.