Charlie Chaplin: Essential Hollywood

Dylan George

thg 10 2020 · Character-19

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Chaplin’s origins date back to London at the tail end of the 19th Century and a childhood that was fragmented with hardship and sorrow. He was denied the foundation of a stable family environment and was forced to eke out a living from a very early age by whatever means he could…whether that was in his preferred environment of the theatre or in more conservative and traditional surroundings. His elder brother Sydney was at his side throughout his formative years and the two were extremely close throughout their lives. Despite this inauspicious start, Charlie triumphed over adversity and landed in America determined to make his own fame and fortune.

This he achieved in a few short years having accidentally stumbled upon a character that would take the world by storm while preparing for his second cinematic engagement. Randomly picking an outfit that included big shoes, a hat that was too small, baggy trousers and a walking cane thrown in as an afterthought, “The Tramp” had arrived on stage and the silver screen. Chaplin topped off the persona he manifested with a unique “toothbrush” moustache and an enduring legend was born. He was all set to take Hollywood and the rest of the world by storm and he didn’t disappoint.

It didn’t take long for Chaplin to add writing and directing to his already impressive resumé and he soon became Hollywood’s most prominent star. Even when contracts were due to expire, he never failed to find an alternative employer – such was the clamour for his talents. The 1910s and 1920s were a very prolific period in the silent movie industry, so much so that – despite slowing down as age advanced – Charlie Chaplin’s career list of films tops the 80 mark.

Even though some of his films were not well received at the time of their release, looking back most will concede that each and every one is worthy of praise – some perhaps more than others – and provide a suitable legacy to the life and career of the one and only Sir Charlie Chaplin…