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Director: Ralph Nelson
Actors: Cliff Robertson, Claire Bloom, Lilia Skala
PlotCharly Gordon, a kind-hearted but intellectually disabled man, works as a janitor in a bakery, where he endures mockery from his coworkers. His one solace is attending night school, where he learns to read and write with the help of his dedicated teacher, Alice Kinnian. Alice recommends Charly for an experimental surgical procedure designed to significantly enhance intelligence. The surgery has already proven successful on a laboratory mouse named Algernon, leading the scientists to believe similar results can be achieved in humans.
Post-surgery, Charly’s intellect begins to skyrocket, surpassing even that of the scientists and experts monitoring his progress. As his cognitive abilities expand, he experiences a series of revelations about the world around him and the people in his life. He forms a romantic connection with Alice, who struggles with the changes in Charly's personality. Despite his achievements, Charly is haunted by the uncertainty of whether his newfound intelligence will be permanent. As tension mounts, Charly and Alice must navigate the complexities of their evolving relationship and confront the existential challenges posed by Charly's transformation.
Writers: Daniel Keyes, Stirling Silliphant
Release Date: 23 Sep 1968
Runtime: 103 min
Rating: M
Country: United States
Language: English
Charly impresses with a heartfelt story, strong performance by Cliff Robertson, and excellent 2K remaster, despite repetitive audio commentary.
Read our review of Charly Blu-ray to find out more