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Charlie Chaplin

Biography

An essay on Charlie Chaplin written by Aaron Hale is available.

Charlie Chaplin was born Charles Spencer Chaplin in London, England on 16 April 1889. His parents, Charles Chaplin, Sr and Hannah Hill were music hall entertainers but separated shortly after Charlie was born, leaving Hannah to provide for her children. In 1896 when Hannah was no longer able to care for her children, Charlie and his brother Sydney were admitted to Lambeth Workhouse and later, Hanwell School for Orphans and Destitute Children.

Charlie had already debuted in the music hall in 1894, when he had sung a song after his mother was taken hoarse.

1903-1906
Performs in Sherlock Holmes, as the newspaper boy Billy
1906-1907
The Casey Circus
1907-1910
Works with the Karno Pantomime Troupe
1910-1912
First tour of USA/Canada with Karno Troupe
1912-1913
Second tour of USA/Canada with Karno Troupe
May 1913
Accepts offer from Adam Kessel (who has interests in the Keystone Film Company) for $125/week
29 December 1913
Signs contract with Keystone
Jan/Feb 1914
Charlie Chaplin's first film: Making a Living
1914
Keystone films
Nov 1914
Signs with Essanay for $1,250/week to make 14 films during 1915
1915
Essanay films
27 Feb 1916
Signs with Mutual Film Corporation for $10,000/week plus $150,000 bonus
1916-1917
Mutual films
17 June 1917
Signs with First National Exhibitor's Circuit for $1,075,000/year
??
First National Films


The Internet Movie Database contains a filmography for Charles Chaplin.

David Pinnegar's page on Chaplin focusses on the speech of the Great Dictator.

Stephen Weissman has some information on Charlie Chaplin, including essays he has written.


Glen Pringle / pringle@csse.monash.edu.au
Copyright © 1995-1999 by Glen Pringle