The film “Charly,” released in 1968, tells the fascinating story of an intellectually disabled man who undergoes a transformative experiment. Directed by Ralph Nelson and starring Cliff Robertson, Claire Bloom, and Lilia Skala, the film explores the consequences of Charly’s newfound intellectual prowess and takes us on a captivating journey through different filming locations in Boston, Massachusetts. Read on to find out more about this movie and some intriguing behind-the-scenes facts.
Where it Filmed?
“Charly” was filmed at several noteworthy locations around Boston, Massachusetts. Some of these include Kasanoff’s Bakery in Roxbury, the iconic Longfellow Bridge, Boston City Hospital on Harrison Avenue, and the historical district of Bunker Hill in Charlestown. Another filming location was the famous Faneuil Hall in Faneuil Hall Square. The filming occurred from September 25, 1967, to December 1967. Each location added a unique element to the movie and played a pivotal role in bringing the storyline to life.
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Cliff Robertson | Charly Gordon |
| Claire Bloom | Alice Kinian |
| Lilia Skala | Dr. Anna Straus |
| Leon Janney | Dr. Richard Nemur |
| Ruth White | Mrs. Apple |
| Barney Martin | Hank |
| William Dwyer | Joey |
| Dan Morgan | Paddy |
| Marianna Case | Young Woman (uncredited) |
| Leon Collins | Tap Dancer (uncredited) |
| Harry Cooper | Conference Attendee (uncredited) |
| Frank Dolan | Eddie (uncredited) |
| Randee Lynne Jensen | Extra (uncredited) |
| Ralph Nelson | Convention Speaker (uncredited) |
| Donald Warnock | Conference Attendee (uncredited) |
Trivia and Facts
- Charly’s transformation from an intellectually disabled man to a genius is the result of a groundbreaking experiment, a key plot point in the movie.
- The film “Charly” was based on the novel “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes, which was adapted into a screenplay by Stirling Silliphant.
- Ravi Shankar provided the music for the film, and Arthur J. Ornitz was the director of photography.
- The film was a critical success and earned Cliff Robertson an Academy Award for his stirring portrayal of Charly.
- Despite his advanced intelligence post-surgery, Charly continues to struggle with emotional complexities and interpersonal relationships, particularly with his teacher, Mrs. Kinnian.
- The film’s ending leaves viewers contemplating the ethical implications and potential side effects of such an experiment.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Kasanoff’s Bakery, Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Latitude: 42.3286377
- Longitude: -71.0834538
- Place ID: ChIJh-CN2yx644kRI8h5WPc98wQ
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Roxbury, Boston, MA, USA
- Timezone: America/New_York
- Location Name: Longfellow Bridge, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Latitude: 42.3614991
- Longitude: -71.075347
- Place ID: ChIJszVjRqJw44kR4cN4jvmDeEg
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Longfellow Bridge, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Timezone: America/New_York
- Location Name: Boston City Hospital – 818 Harrison Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Latitude: 42.3357171
- Longitude: -71.0740496
- Place ID: ChIJgaJ9_D9644kRuNxokRbHWn8
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 818 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Timezone: America/New_York
- Location Name: Bunker Hill, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Latitude: 42.3763541
- Longitude: -71.0607764
- Place ID: ChIJ_5cHC_Jw44kRmALscjIXr6w
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Timezone: America/New_York
- Location Name: Faneuil Hall – Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Latitude: 42.360189
- Longitude: -71.0551145
- Place ID: ChIJ1bmJLwBx44kRxvXgnF_OhKE
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 1 Faneuil Hall Sq, Boston, MA 02109, USA
- Timezone: America/New_York
