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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.