It is known that the attempt to animate or make lively pictures goes back to the concept of magic lantern. But it was not until the end of 19th century that cinema actually arrived. Cinema was born silent.
In the era of silent movies, Chaplin Charles Spencer, popularly known as Charlie Chaplin made his world-wide reputation for his work in the arena of silent cinema. It is interesting to note that even when talking pictures arrived in 1930s, he continued to make silent films although he subsequently made some talking films at a later stage. Let us discuss about the life and times of this great showman in brief.
Charlie was the best loved comedian of silent era and always considered a friend of weaker and poorer people throughout his eventful life. Born in 1889 in South London he first appeared on the stage at the age of 5 in his mother’s entertainment theatre in London. But when his mother became ill, Charlie was sent to an orphanage. He however continued his participation in stage acting.
As a teenage actor he went to America in 1910. Four years later, he began to appear in films and soon became a favourite with cinema audiences for his characteristic appearance with his famous moustache, peculiar hat, baggy trousers, boots and the familiar cane-stick. Being a man of conviction, he later took over to writing and directing films. In 1919 and he established the United Artists Film Company and started to make films of his own choice and ideas. Among the films he made, “The Kid” 91920), “The Gold Rush” (1925) were considered as best of the lot. He mostly played the role of a sad little man with no fixed home or occupation who wanders from place to place only to be hurt, abused and confused by powerful people. Similarly in the film “Modern Times” (1936) he portrayed the role of an exploited industrial worker. He also made a very bold and outspoken talking film like ”Great Dictator” (1940) – where he made a fierce but amusing attack on German Dictator Adolf Hitler and his Nazi followers.
Later, he was expelled from the USA because he was suspected of supporting Communists and a ban was imposed over all his films there. However, in 1972 he returned in triumph to be awarded a special OSCAR for the tremendous effect he has had in making motion pictures. Two years before he died he was given a further honour when the title “Sir” was conferred upon him.
Sir Charles Chaplin died in the year of 1977 at the age of 88.