Charlie Chaplin
London, 1897. A seven-year-old boy named Charles Spencer Chaplin Jr. sat at the Central London District School for paupers, his head cocked slightly to one side in a photograph that would later become an icon of poverty. His father was absent, and his mother Hannah struggled financially until she could no longer support him. At age seven, Chaplin was sent to Lambeth Workhouse, where he experienced what he later called "a forlorn existence." He returned home briefly, but by July 1898, the family was forced back into the workhouse system. The boys were then moved to Norwood Schools, another institution for destitute children. In September 1898, Hannah was committed to Cane Hill mental asylum after developing psychosis from syphilis and malnutrition. For two months, Chaplin lived with his father, who was severely alcoholic. Life there became so unbearable that the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children intervened. Chaplin's father died two years later at 38 from cirrhosis of the liver. By May 1903, Hannah fell ill again. Chaplin, now 14, took her to the infirmary before she was sent back to Cane Hill. He lived alone for several days, searching for food and occasionally sleeping rough until his brother Sydney returned. Hannah remained in care until her death in 1928.
Chaplin began performing on stage during this period of hardship. His first amateur appearance came at age five when he replaced his mother in Aldershot. By nine, he had grown interested in performance under his mother's encouragement. At 13, he abandoned education entirely. He supported himself through various jobs while pursuing acting. At 14, shortly after his mother's relapse, he registered with a theatrical agency in London's West End. A manager saw potential in him and gave him his first role as a newsboy in Harry Arthur Saintsbury's Jim, a Romance of Cockayne. The show opened in July 1903 but closed after two weeks. Yet reviews singled out Chaplin's comic performance. Saintsbury secured another role for him in Charles Frohman's production of Sherlock Holmes, where he played Billy the pageboy across three nationwide tours. His reception was so strong that he was called to London to play alongside William Gillette, the original Holmes. "It was like tidings from heaven," Chaplin recalled. At 16, he starred in the play's West End production at the Duke of York's Theatre from October to December 1905. He completed one final tour of Sherlock Holmes in early 1906 before leaving after more than two-and-a-half years.
Chaplin soon found work with a new company and toured with his brother in a comedy sketch called Repairs. In May 1906, he joined Casey's Circus, developing popular burlesque pieces until becoming the star by age 18. By 1908, his brother Sydney had become a key performer in Fred Karno's prestigious comedy company. In February, Sydney secured a trial for Charlie. Karno initially considered him "a pale, puny, sullen-looking youngster" who looked too shy to succeed. But on his first night at the London Coliseum, the teenager made an impact and was quickly signed. Chaplin progressed through minor parts to starring roles by 1909. In April 1910, he received the lead in Jimmy the Fearless, which became a big success and drew considerable press attention. Karno selected him to join the section touring North America's vaudeville circuit, alongside Stan Laurel. The young comedian headed the show and impressed reviewers as "one of the best pantomime artists ever seen here." His most successful role was a drunk called the "Inebriate Swell," featured in Mumming Birds, known as A Night in an English Music Hall when performed on tour. That sketch lasted 21 months and included throwing pies among other innovations. The troupe returned to England in June 1912.
Six months into their second American tour, Chaplin was invited to join the New York Motion Picture Company. A representative had seen his performances and thought he could replace Fred Mace, a Keystone Studios star planning to leave. Chaplin found Keystone comedies "a crude mélange of rough and rumble" but liked the idea of working in films: "Besides, it would mean a new life." He met with the company and signed a $150-per-week contract in September 1913. Chaplin arrived in Los Angeles in early December and began working for Keystone on the 5th of January 1914. His boss Mack Sennett initially expressed concern that the 24-year-old looked too young. He wasn't used in a picture until late January while Chaplin learned filmmaking processes. Making a Living marked his film acting debut and released on the 2nd of February 1914. Chaplin strongly disliked the picture, yet one review called him "a comedian of the first water." For his second appearance, Chaplin selected the costume that would identify him forever. The film was Mabel's Strange Predicament, but "the Tramp" character debuted to audiences in Kid Auto Races at Venice, shot later than Mabel's Strange Predicament but released two days earlier on the 7th of February 1914.
Chaplin adopted the Tramp as his screen persona after being influenced by the hobo comic strip Weary Willie and Tired Tim from Illustrated Chips. He attempted suggestions for his films, which directors dismissed. During filming of his eleventh picture, Mabel at the Wheel, he clashed with director Mabel Normand and nearly lost his contract. Sennett kept him on when exhibitors demanded more Chaplin films. Sennett allowed Chaplin to direct his next film himself after Chaplin promised to pay $1,500 if it failed. Caught in the Rain issued on the 4th of May 1914 became his directorial debut and was highly successful. Thereafter, he directed almost every short film he appeared in for Keystone, producing approximately one per week, a period he remembered as most exciting of his career. His films introduced slower comedy than typical Keystone farce, building a large fan base. In November 1914, he had a supporting role in Tillie's Punctured Romance, the first feature-length comedy directed by Sennett and starring Marie Dressler. It was commercially successful and increased his popularity.
When Chaplin's contract came up for renewal at year-end, he asked for $1,000 weekly, an amount Sennett refused as too large. The Essanay Film Manufacturing Company of Chicago offered $1,250 weekly plus a $10,000 signing bonus. He joined Essanay in late December 1914, forming a stock company including Ben Turpin, Leo White, Bud Jamison, Paddy McGuire, Fred Goodwins, and Billy Armstrong. Chaplin recruited leading lady Edna Purviance from a café, hiring her for beauty alone. She appeared in 35 films with him over eight years; they formed a romantic relationship lasting until 1917. Chaplin asserted high control over pictures, slowing production pace. A month-long interval occurred between second and third productions. Final seven of his 14 Essanay films were produced slowly. He altered his screen persona, which had attracted criticism at Keystone for being "mean, crude, and brutish." The character became gentler and more romantic. The Tramp (April 1915) marked particular turning point in development. Pathos developed further with The Bank, creating sad endings, an innovation recognized by serious critics. At Essanay, film scholar Simon Louvish noted Chaplin found themes defining the Tramp's world.
In 1915, Chaplin became cultural phenomenon. Shops stocked merchandise, cartoons featured him, songs written about him. July journalist for Motion Picture reported "Chaplinitis" spread across America. As fame grew worldwide, he became industry's first international star. September 1915 poll held by Pictures and Picturegoer saw Chaplin receive 142,920 votes as greatest British film actor. Classic music hall sketch A Night in an English Music Hall became basis for twelfth Essanay film, A Night in the Show, released November 1915. When Essanay contract ended December 1915, Chaplin requested $150,000 signing bonus from next studio. Several offers came including Universal, Fox, Vitagraph; best from Mutual Film Corporation at $10,000 weekly.
Mutual gave Chaplin his own Los Angeles studio opening March 1916. Contract amounted to $670,000 annually, making 26-year-old Chaplin one of highest-paid people globally. High salary shocked public and widely reported press. John R. Freuler, studio president explained: "We can afford to pay Mr. Chaplin this large sum annually because public wants Chaplin and will pay for him." Mutual provided studio where Chaplin added Albert Austin and Eric Campbell to stock company. He produced elaborate two-reelers: The Floorwalker, The Fireman, The Vagabond, One A.M., The Count. For Pawnshop recruited Henry Bergman working with Chaplin 30 years. Behind the Screen and The Rink completed releases for 1916. Mutual stipulated releasing two-reel film every four weeks, which he achieved. With new year, Chaplin demanded more time. Only four films released over first ten months of 1917: Easy Street, The Cure, The Immigrant, Adventurer. Careful construction made these among finest work per scholars. Later life, Chaplin referred to Mutual years as happiest period career.
Chaplin felt those films became increasingly formulaic over contract period, dissatisfied with conditions. Attacked in British media for not fighting First World War, defended claiming would fight if called, registered American draft but neither country summoned him. Despite criticism, favorite with troops; popularity grew worldwide. Harper's Weekly reported name Charlie Chaplin part common language almost every country, Tramp image universally familiar. 1917 professional imitators widespread enough that nine out ten men attending costume parties dressed as Tramp. Same year Boston Society for Psychical Research study concluded Chaplin "an American obsession." Actress Minnie Maddern Fiske wrote constantly increasing body cultured artistic people began regard young English buffoon Charles Chaplin extraordinary artist comic genius.
In January 1918, Harry Lauder visited Chaplin; acted short film together. Mutual patient with decreased output rate; contract ended amicably. Primary concern finding distributor independence. Sydney Chaplin business manager told press: "Charlie must be allowed all time needs money producing pictures way wants... Quality quantity after." June 1917 signed eight films First National Exhibitors Circuit return $1 million. Built own studio five acres land off Sunset Boulevard highest order facilities. Charlie Chaplin Studios completed January 1918 freedom making pictures. A Dog's Life released April 1918 first under new contract demonstrated increasing concern story construction treating Tramp sort Pierrot. Louis Delluc described cinema's first total work of art. Embarked Third Liberty Bond campaign touring United States one month raising money Allies First World War produced short propaganda film The Bond at own expense donated government fund-raising.
Next release war-based placing Tramp trenches Shoulder Arms. Associates warned against comedy about war but recalled dangerous excited idea. Spent four months filming released October 1918 great success. After Shoulder Arms release requested more money from First National refused. Frustrated lack concern quality worried rumours possible merger Famous Players, Lasky joined Douglas Fairbanks Mary Pickford D.W. Griffith form distribution company United Artists January 1919. Arrangement revolutionary enabling four partners creative artists personally fund pictures complete control. Eager start new company offered buy out contract First National refused insisted complete final six films owed.
The Great Dictator spent year production released October 1940 generated vast publicity New York Times critic called most eagerly awaited picture year biggest money-makers era. Ending unpopular triggering decline popularity. Five-minute speech concluded film abandoned barber character looked directly camera pleaded against war fascism. Charles J. Maland identified overt preaching triggering decline Chaplin's popularity writing henceforth movie fan never separate dimension politics star image. Nevertheless Winston Churchill Franklin D. Roosevelt liked film seeing private screenings before release. Roosevelt invited Chaplin read final speech radio during January 1941 inauguration becoming hit celebration. Often invited patriotic functions read speech audiences years war.
Great Dictator received five Academy Award nominations including Best Picture Original Screenplay Actor. Legal troubles mid-1940s occupied most time significantly affecting public image. Troubles stemmed affair aspiring actress Joan Barry involved intermittently June 1941 autumn 1942. Barry displayed obsessive behavior twice arrested separated reappeared following year announced pregnant Chaplin's child. Denied claim filed paternity suit director Federal Bureau Investigation J. Edgar Hoover long suspicious political leanings used opportunity generate negative publicity. FBI named four indictments related Barry case. Most serious alleged violation Mann Act prohibiting transportation women across state boundaries sexual purposes. Historian Otto Friedrich called absurd prosecution ancient statute yet if found guilty faced 23 years prison. Three charges lacked sufficient evidence proceed court Mann Act trial began the 21st of March 1944. Chaplin acquitted two weeks later the 4th of April. Case frequently headline news Newsweek calling biggest public relations scandal since Fatty Arbuckle murder trial 1921.
Barry's child Carol Ann born October 1943 paternity suit went court December 1944. After arduous trials prosecuting lawyer accused moral turpitude declared father. Evidence blood tests indicating otherwise not admissible judge ordered pay child support until Carol Ann turned 21. Media coverage influenced FBI feeding information gossip columnist Hedda Hopper portrayed overwhelmingly critical light. Controversy surrounding increased when two weeks paternity suit filed announced married newest protégée 18-year-old Oona O'Neill daughter American playwright Eugene O'Neill. Then 54 introduced seven months earlier described meeting happiest event life claimed perfect love. Son Charles III reported Oona worshipped father remained married until death eight children over 18 years: Geraldine Leigh July 1944 Michael John March 1946 Josephine Hannah March 1949 Victoria Agnes May 1951 Eugene Anthony August 1953 Jane Cecil May 1957 Annette Emily December 1959 Christopher James July 1962.
Chaplin did not attempt return United States re-entry permit revoked sent wife settle affairs. Couple decided settle Switzerland January 1953 family moved permanent home Manoir de Ban estate overlooking Lake Geneva Corsier-sur-Vevey. Put Beverly Hills house studio sale March surrendered re-entry permit April. Next year wife renounced US citizenship became British citizen. Severed last professional ties United States 1955 sold remainder stock United Artists financial difficulty since early 1940s.
Remained controversial figure throughout 1950s especially awarded International Peace Prize communist-led World Peace Council meetings Zhou Enlai Nikita Khrushchev. Began developing first European film A King in New York 1954. Cast self exiled king seeks asylum United States included recent experiences screenplay. Son Michael cast boy parents targeted FBI character faces accusations communism. Political satire parodied HUAC attacked elements 1950s culture including consumerism plastic surgery wide-screen cinema. Playwright John Osborne called most bitter openly personal film. 1957 interview clarified political views stated politics anarchist hate government rules fetters people free.
Founded new production company Attica used Shepperton Studios shooting. Filming England proved difficult experience accustomed Hollywood studio familiar crew no longer limitless production time. Robinson effect quality film released September 1957 received mixed reviews banned American journalists Paris première decided not release United States severely limited revenue achieved moderate commercial success Europe. Not shown America until 1973.
Last two decades career concentrated re-editing scoring old films re-release securing ownership distribution rights. Interview gave 1959 year 70th birthday stated still room Little Man atomic age. First re-releases Chaplin Revue 1959 included new versions A Dog's Life Shoulder Arms Pilgrim. America political atmosphere changed attention once again directed films instead views. July 1962 New York Times published editorial Republic danger yesterday unforgotten little tramp allowed amble gangplank steamer plane American port. Same month invested honorary degree Doctor Letters universities Oxford Durham. November 1963 Plaza Theater New York started year-long series including Monsieur Verdoux Limelight gained excellent reviews American critics.
September 1964 release memoir My Autobiography working since 1957. 500-page book worldwide best-seller focused early years personal life criticized lacking information film career. Shortly publication began work Countess Hong Kong 1967 romantic comedy based script written Paulette Goddard 1930s. Set ocean liner starred Marlon Brando American ambassador Sophia Loren stowaway found cabin. Differed earlier productions several aspects first Technicolor widescreen format concentrated directing appeared on-screen cameo role seasick steward signed deal Universal Pictures appointed assistant Jerome Epstein producer paid $600,000 director fee percentage gross receipts premiered January 1967 unfavorable reviews box-office failure deeply hurt negative reaction turned last.
Series minor strokes late 1960s marked beginning slow decline health despite setbacks soon writing new film script Freak story winged girl found South America intended starring vehicle daughter Victoria fragile health prevented project realized. Early 1970s concentrated re-releasing old films including Kid Circus. 1971 made Commander National Order Legion Honour Cannes Film Festival following year honoured special award Venice Film Festival. 1972 Academy Motion Picture Arts Sciences offered Honorary Award Robinson sees sign America wanted make amends. Initially hesitant about accepting decided return US first time 20 years visit attracted large amount press coverage Academy Awards gala given 12-minute standing ovation longest academy's history visibly emotional accepted award incalculable effect had making motion pictures art form century.
Plans future film projects mid-1970s very frail experienced further strokes difficult communicate use wheelchair. Final projects compiling pictorial autobiography My Life in Pictures 1974 scoring Woman Paris re-release 1976 appeared documentary Gentleman Tramp 1975 directed Richard Patterson. 1975 New Year Honours awarded knighthood Queen Elizabeth II too weak kneel received honour wheelchair.
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Common questions
When was Charlie Chaplin born and where did he spend his early childhood?
Charles Spencer Chaplin Jr. was born in London, 1897, and spent his early years at the Central London District School for paupers before being sent to Lambeth Workhouse by age seven.
What year did Charlie Chaplin make his film debut and what was the title of that movie?
Charlie Chaplin made his film acting debut with Making a Living which released on the 2nd of February 1914 after he arrived in Los Angeles in early December 1913.
Which character did Charlie Chaplin create during his time at Keystone Studios and when did it first appear?
Chaplin created the Tramp persona which debuted to audiences in Kid Auto Races at Venice released two days earlier than Mabel's Strange Predicament on the 7th of February 1914.
How many children did Charlie Chaplin have with Oona O'Neill and what were their names?
Chaplin had eight children with Oona O'Neill including Geraldine Leigh July 1944 Michael John March 1946 Josephine Hannah March 1949 Victoria Agnes May 1951 Eugene Anthony August 1953 Jane Cecil May 1957 Annette Emily December 1959 Christopher James July 1962.
When did Charlie Chaplin receive his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II and why was he unable to kneel for the ceremony?
Charlie Chaplin received his knighthood in the 1975 New Year Honours but was too weak to kneel due to severe strokes that left him using a wheelchair.