Charlie Chaplin was a bit before my time and I thought his brand of humor was pure schtick. From this book, however, I learned that moviegoers felt that 'the little tramp' was perfect fun. Fans at this point were looking for simple plot devices; they didn't want to think too hard.
However, Chaplin didn't come from fun; he had a background of extreme poverty. In fact, he was supporting his family by the age of about 13. One has to respect a child that can take on such responsibility. Certainly, Chaplin's need to succeed was born of his early experiences.
Lots of Chaplin's problems were associated with his penchant for young girls. However, it is shocking to see that the man was nearly brought down by our own government -- over the suspicion that Chaplin was a communist. That is appalling. I remember watching the Academy Awards in the year that Charlie Chaplin received an honorary award. The clapping just kept on and on.
I was sorry that there weren't photos of Chaplin's 4 wives, nor mention of all of Chaplin's children. I know Geraldine Chaplin was an actor for a while. She was one of 8 children by Oona and Charlie.
However, Chaplin didn't come from fun; he had a background of extreme poverty. In fact, he was supporting his family by the age of about 13. One has to respect a child that can take on such responsibility. Certainly, Chaplin's need to succeed was born of his early experiences.
Lots of Chaplin's problems were associated with his penchant for young girls. However, it is shocking to see that the man was nearly brought down by our own government -- over the suspicion that Chaplin was a communist. That is appalling. I remember watching the Academy Awards in the year that Charlie Chaplin received an honorary award. The clapping just kept on and on.
I was sorry that there weren't photos of Chaplin's 4 wives, nor mention of all of Chaplin's children. I know Geraldine Chaplin was an actor for a while. She was one of 8 children by Oona and Charlie.
