1. A focus of public attention; SYN. spotlight, public eye.
2. A lamp consisting of a flame directed at a cylinder of lime with a lens to concentrate the light; formerly used for stage lighting; SYN. calcium light.
Film 1952, directed by Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin plays the has-been clown who rejuvenates himself by coming to the rescue of a young ballerina (Claire Bloom). Set in the turn-of-the-century music hall of the director's youth, it is his most personal and autobiographical in content.
The film risks the charge of sentimentality and is played more for pathos than for comedy. It was Chaplin's last film made in America.

To center attention on; spotlight