Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) Began performing in British music halls as a child 1914 - toured to the US

1914 – stays in US and begins working for Keystone Studios (Mack Sennett – producer) While at Keystone – Chaplin develops his “Tramp” character

Chaplin on his “Tramp” character: "I wanted everything to be a contradiction: the pants baggy, the coat tight, the hat small and the shoes large ... I added a small moustache, which, I reasoned, would add age without hiding my expression. I had no idea of the character. But the moment I was dressed, the clothes and the makeup made me feel the person he was. I began to know him, and by the time I walked on stage he was fully born.”

Chaplin became known for his use of slapstick comedy mixed with pathos Chaplin’s “Tramp” character almost always struggles against adversity

1918 – Chaplin forms United Artists Studios with partners Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, and D.W. Griffith Now Chaplin has complete control over all aspects of his films He works as producer, writer, director, actor, editor, and composer

The Kid (1921) Mary Pickford said of the film, "The Kid is one of the finest examples of the screen language, depending upon its actions rather than upon subtitles".

Chaplin refused to move to sound during the 1930’s

Late 1930’s – Chaplin became very political

1940’s Accused of being a communist sympathizer Several paternity suits filed against him Eventually forced to leave US and settles in Switzerland (1952)