Making a tribute to Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin, an iconic intelligent gentleman, actor, film producer, director, composer, writer and a worldwide famous important figure, named by most “The Godfather of Silent Movies”.
Photograph: Charles with his parrot
named "Pet" in the 1920's ...
Charles grew up in the Arts environment, his father was a singer and entertainer, his mother a singer and dancer. The unfortunate early separation of his parents led to the mother being alone raising two boys, also she found more and more difficult to continue working due to her suffering of mental illness leading to seeking refuge and most times were living in extreme poverty situations. Charles, at a very young age began theatre and performances so as to further financially assist the family. Apparently, started acting in live theatres and his first hired performance was at the age of nine years old. His slightly older half- brother called Sydney, difficultly also financially assisted however both boys ended up in an institute similar to an orphanage as their father passed away from an alcohol addiction and their mother was constantly placed in mental institutions.
Later years, Charles continued his acting roles and knew that he had to create a different, unique brand of himself in order to stand out from all other raising actors. When Charles obtained an official contract with agent Mr Fred Karno he departed from London to United States to act in several Vaudeville, slapstick live comedy performances, he was only 19 years old. His hard work and perseverance led to his success and became extremely famous in the 1910’s cinema industry, acting in short sketches with his “tramp” like character and comedy acts. It is believed that Charles origins of hardship, family struggles and life experiences influenced his personal character, emotions, being slightly shy with inner fears, insecure, quite sensitive and who always never gave up, instead had to prove to himself and others that he was an important, talented artist and that also could manage unique creations in the film industry.
A classic movie for Pet Lovers “A Dogs Life” duly released in 1918, written, produced, directed, acted and even edited by Charles. An iconic silent film where Charles half-brother had a small acting role as a lunchwagon owner, the Picture highlights a tramp’s realistic life style whereby he saves a stray dog named “Scraps” and as the story evolves it is Scraps that encourages him to fall in love and have a better life with a sweet lady friend. Eventually, Scraps finds a wallet full of money of which fully positively gives Charles the courage to go ahead buy a farm and marry his lady friend.
Apparently, Charles favourite Pets were parrots. It has been stated that he really enjoyed the company of his parrot named "Pet", especially when he arrived home and Pet would say "Hello" to him every time. He also had another parrot named "Edward" and this particular parrot had a funny character of his own as he acted similar to a dog and followed Charles most times around the house.
Chaplin’s short really funny silent films, positively assisted people to light up the days, and especially during difficult economic periods, some hospitals showed these to patients during war times.
It has been mentioned that, years later Chaplin requested his agent a wage raise and it was totally refused, eventually decided to join forces with Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and D. W. Griffith to form a new company named “United Artists” in January1919. It marked an important historical revolution in the film industry as it gave them complete control of their movies.
As he embraced his dreams, music, actions with ideas instead of dialogue in his films, he evolved, his unique personal style, techniques and craftsmanship. Like improvising, rehearsing whilst on camera and repeating improving several times the same part/section, until he fully approved. Being naturally well focused, he also believed, that music is counter part of a film, for instance if it is funny the music did not necessarily need to be fast and funny.
In 1921, the film “The Kid” became an extraordinary worldwide success and clearly proved his real talent as an artist. Based on human, emotional side of a life of a tramp and an orphan, a realistic, complex movie however at the same time with the humour side of tragic life styles. Another major success, the film “The Gold Rush” duly released in 1925, based on a true story of gold miners financially struggling. It had similar structure, Charles as a tramp, dark comedy mixing with sad realities in life. Making the audiences cry and laugh during the short films as the messages touches one's mind and soul. A particular scene became famous, Charles has two small pieces of bread each held by forks, these look like little shoes as he made them dance together.
Charles naturally captivated his audience to see more of his short comedy films. He easily communicated to people via his movies and personally felt that it is important to laugh, even when going through harsh realities in life situations, so as to avoid loosing one's mind.
Chaplin became the highest paid actor in Hollywood and the first actor to appear on the front page of Times magazine in 1925. Another major success, the silent comedy film “Modern Times” in 1936, Charles wrote, created, directed, acted his personal vision whereby people can lose their individuality in a mass production industrialized world of which may eventually take away small family business.
In March 1975, Charles was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
The news highlighted how emotional the event was for Charles as he entered the main ceremony room and his music theme creation from his film "Limelight" was played.
Charles clearly, managed to extend the time and existence of Silent Films, shall always be remembered for his natural skills of making people laugh even when going through hard times in life. His famous acting character shall be forever iconic as the most "Lovable Little Tramp" …
“Failure is unimportant, it takes courage to make a fool of yourself"...
"Let us strive for the impossible. The great achievements throughout history have been the conquest of what seemed the impossible” Charles S. Chaplin
*** Below, 1920's Chaplin short, rare footage
***Click below, our Vintage inspired products ...
*** Further below, Chaplin as a Special Guest in London ...
*** Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest...
Click below, join our "VIP" Exclusive Membership ***