A cost too small and ill fitting, loose trousers, a derby hat, a cane and a ridiculous moustache plus loads and loads of sheer genius-all the add up to just one name, Charlie Chaplin. Essaying the role of ‘the little tramp’ in numerable films, Chaplin created an immortal character in the world of on screen humor.
Charlie Spencer Chaplin was born in London on the 16th of April, 1889.Both his parents were singers, and little Charlie gravitated to the stage at a very young age and showed natural talent to act sing and mime.
He toured the US as a part of the famous stage troupe where he was spotted by the producers of Keystone Film Company and was cast in a film. Unfortunately, his first film was a disaster. Luckily he was given a second chance in the movie ‘Kids Auto Races at Venice’ in the year 1914. It was for this movie that Charlie Chaplin first put together the character of the Little Tramp, which proved to be an instant success. He developed this foolish, mischievous yet lovable little man whose popularity continues till date. Appearing as the little tramp, he managed to evoke both laughter and sympathy at the same time. His movies were a great success and by 1917 he was making over a half a million dollars for eight pictures. His silent movies were a great hit with each and every person in this world.
Chaplin’s tramp appeared in many classic films like ‘The Kid’(1921) and ‘The Gold Rush’(1925). By now talkies had replaced the silent movies but Chaplin preferred making silent movies as he staunchly believed that acting was better understood by audiences, than word or dialogues. He even scored the music for his film ‘City Lights’ which released in 1931. As the World War II started, he made the movie ‘The Great Dictator’ in 1940, which intended to ridicule Adolf Hitler.
Though his films were a tremendous success, his political views were not appreciated in the US. In 1952 he decided to shift Vevey in Switzerland where he lived till his death in 1977.And the little tramp continue to enthrall audience all around the world even decades after his death-a truly astounding feat!