Don't Know...CHARLES CHAPLIN?

You really should know who SIR CHARLES CHAPLIN (1889-1977) is! Charles Spencer Chaplin was the original auteur. He quickly took over the writing and directing of his films, beginning with "Twenty Minutes Of Love" in 1914. From this time on, a Charlie Chaplin film was, indeed, a Chaplin film. His working methods were time consuming and would not be tolerated in this modern age, more's the pity.





A fine place to start is by viewing: Modern Times (1936). My favorite Chaplin feature, this delicately balances his humor with his penchant for maudlin sentimentality, and succeeds, for once.



Watch this and then see these other four films.




The Rink (1916) One of Chaplin's best two-reel shorts, the roller skating scenes are tremendous fun.
Woman Of Paris (1923) Chaplin directed this film starring his protégé Edna Purviance, attempting to elevate her from his leading lady to stardom. Her career never took off, but it is an interesting film.
Shoulder Arms (1918) Charlie captures the Kaiser, played by his older brother Syd, in this World War I comedy.
A Countess From Hong Kong (1967) Charles Spencer Chaplin's final film was a mess, due in part to a miscast Marlon Brando. It didn't help that Chaplin's technique was very old fashioned. Sydney Chaplin, son of Charlie's older brother, has a supporting role. Sophia Loren is wasted.


*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Mon, 3 Oct 2005 13:06:52 PDT

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1927 Honorary and Other Awards: For versatility and genius in writing, acting in, directing and producing THE CIRCUS.
1927 Nominated for Best Comedy Direction: THE CIRCUS
1927 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE CIRCUS
1940 Nominated for Writing: Best Original Screenplay: THE GREAT DICTATOR
1940 Nominated for Best Picture: THE GREAT DICTATOR — Producer
1940 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE GREAT DICTATOR
1947 Nominated for Writing: Best Original Screenplay: MONSIEUR VERDOUX
1971 Honorary and Other Awards: For the incalculable effect he has had in making motion pictures the art form of this century. Winner presented a Statuette.
1972 Music Scoring Awards: Best Original Dramatic Score: LIMELIGHT