Is there a greater rags-to-riches story than Charlie Chaplin’s? A real-life tramp, Chaplin grew up dirt poor on the streets of London. The son of two destitute music hall entertainers (dad an abusive alcoholic, mom committed to a mental institution), as a child, Chaplin showed promise performing stage comedy and working the music hall circuit himself with his brother, Sydney. This would lead to a few tours of North America with a vaudeville troupe and then a contract with Keystone Studios. By the time Chaplin was 25, the former street urchin had become a bona fide movie star.
Part of Kicking the Canon — The Film Canon.
Published as part of InRO Weekly — Volume 1, Issue 17.
