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Ackroyd's Brief Lives #6
Charlie Chaplin: A Brief Life
A brief yet definitive new biography of one of film's greatest legends: perfect for readers who want to know more about the iconic star but who don't want to commit to a lengthy work.
He was the very first icon of the silver screen and is one of the most recognizable of Hollywood faces, even a hundred years after his first film. But what of the man behind the moustache? Peter Ackroyd's new biography turns the spotlight on Chaplin's life as well as his work, from his humble theatrical beginnings in music halls to winning an honorary Academy Award. Everything is here, from the glamor of his golden age to the murky scandals of the 1940s and eventual exile to Switzerland. There are charming anecdotes along the way: playing the violin in a New York hotel room to mask the sound of Stan Laurel frying pork chops and long Hollywood lunches with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. This masterful brief biography offers fresh revelations about one of the most familiar faces of the last century and brings the Little Tramp vividly to life.
He was the very first icon of the silver screen and is one of the most recognizable of Hollywood faces, even a hundred years after his first film. But what of the man behind the moustache? Peter Ackroyd's new biography turns the spotlight on Chaplin's life as well as his work, from his humble theatrical beginnings in music halls to winning an honorary Academy Award. Everything is here, from the glamor of his golden age to the murky scandals of the 1940s and eventual exile to Switzerland. There are charming anecdotes along the way: playing the violin in a New York hotel room to mask the sound of Stan Laurel frying pork chops and long Hollywood lunches with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. This masterful brief biography offers fresh revelations about one of the most familiar faces of the last century and brings the Little Tramp vividly to life.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2014
53 people are currently reading
1266 people want to read
About the author
Peter Ackroyd
185 books1,500 followersPeter Ackroyd CBE is an English novelist and biographer with a particular interest in the history and culture of London.
Peter Ackroyd's mother worked in the personnel department of an engineering firm, his father having left the family home when Ackroyd was a baby. He was reading newspapers by the age of 5 and, at 9, wrote a play about Guy Fawkes. Reputedly, he first realized he was gay at the age of 7.
Ackroyd was educated at St. Benedict's, Ealing and at Clare College, Cambridge, from which he graduated with a double first in English. In 1972, he was a Mellon Fellow at Yale University in the United States. The result of this fellowship was Ackroyd's Notes for a New Culture, written when he was only 22 and eventually published in 1976. The title, a playful echo of T. S. Eliot's Notes Towards the Definition of Culture (1948), was an early indication of Ackroyd's penchant for creatively exploring and reexamining the works of other London-based writers.
Ackroyd's literary career began with poetry, including such works as London Lickpenny (1973) and The Diversions of Purley (1987). He later moved into fiction and has become an acclaimed author, winning the 1998 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for the biography Thomas More and being shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1987.
Ackroyd worked at The Spectator magazine between 1973 and 1977 and became joint managing editor in 1978. In 1982 he published The Great Fire of London, his first novel. This novel deals with one of Ackroyd's great heroes, Charles Dickens, and is a reworking of Little Dorrit. The novel set the stage for the long sequence of novels Ackroyd has produced since, all of which deal in some way with the complex interaction of time and space, and what Ackroyd calls "the spirit of place". It is also the first in a sequence of novels of London, through which he traces the changing, but curiously consistent nature of the city. Often this theme is explored through the city's artists, and especially its writers.
Ackroyd has always shown a great interest in the city of London, and one of his best known works, London: The Biography, is an extensive and thorough discussion of London through the ages.
His fascination with London literary and artistic figures is also displayed in the sequence of biographies he has produced of Ezra Pound (1980), T. S. Eliot (1984), Charles Dickens (1990), William Blake (1995), Thomas More (1998), Chaucer (2004), William Shakespeare (2005), and J. M. W. Turner. The city itself stands astride all these works, as it does in the fiction.
From 2003 to 2005, Ackroyd wrote a six-book non-fiction series (Voyages Through Time), intended for readers as young as eight. This was his first work for children. The critically acclaimed series is an extensive narrative of key periods in world history.
Early in his career, Ackroyd was nominated a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1984 and, as well as producing fiction, biography and other literary works, is also a regular radio and television broadcaster and book critic.
In the New Year's honours list of 2003, Ackroyd was awarded the CBE.
Peter Ackroyd's mother worked in the personnel department of an engineering firm, his father having left the family home when Ackroyd was a baby. He was reading newspapers by the age of 5 and, at 9, wrote a play about Guy Fawkes. Reputedly, he first realized he was gay at the age of 7.
Ackroyd was educated at St. Benedict's, Ealing and at Clare College, Cambridge, from which he graduated with a double first in English. In 1972, he was a Mellon Fellow at Yale University in the United States. The result of this fellowship was Ackroyd's Notes for a New Culture, written when he was only 22 and eventually published in 1976. The title, a playful echo of T. S. Eliot's Notes Towards the Definition of Culture (1948), was an early indication of Ackroyd's penchant for creatively exploring and reexamining the works of other London-based writers.
Ackroyd's literary career began with poetry, including such works as London Lickpenny (1973) and The Diversions of Purley (1987). He later moved into fiction and has become an acclaimed author, winning the 1998 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for the biography Thomas More and being shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1987.
Ackroyd worked at The Spectator magazine between 1973 and 1977 and became joint managing editor in 1978. In 1982 he published The Great Fire of London, his first novel. This novel deals with one of Ackroyd's great heroes, Charles Dickens, and is a reworking of Little Dorrit. The novel set the stage for the long sequence of novels Ackroyd has produced since, all of which deal in some way with the complex interaction of time and space, and what Ackroyd calls "the spirit of place". It is also the first in a sequence of novels of London, through which he traces the changing, but curiously consistent nature of the city. Often this theme is explored through the city's artists, and especially its writers.
Ackroyd has always shown a great interest in the city of London, and one of his best known works, London: The Biography, is an extensive and thorough discussion of London through the ages.
His fascination with London literary and artistic figures is also displayed in the sequence of biographies he has produced of Ezra Pound (1980), T. S. Eliot (1984), Charles Dickens (1990), William Blake (1995), Thomas More (1998), Chaucer (2004), William Shakespeare (2005), and J. M. W. Turner. The city itself stands astride all these works, as it does in the fiction.
From 2003 to 2005, Ackroyd wrote a six-book non-fiction series (Voyages Through Time), intended for readers as young as eight. This was his first work for children. The critically acclaimed series is an extensive narrative of key periods in world history.
Early in his career, Ackroyd was nominated a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1984 and, as well as producing fiction, biography and other literary works, is also a regular radio and television broadcaster and book critic.
In the New Year's honours list of 2003, Ackroyd was awarded the CBE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
May 5, 2015
I have long wanted to read a book on Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977). I had discovered that there was a lot more to this man than I had previously known. I knew only that he was a very funny English pantomime actor famed for his slapstick humor of the silent film era. He was the "Little Tramp", with his sparkling blue eyes, and little black hat perched upon his tousled mane of dark curly hair. But who was this man?
I did not know he directed, produced, edited, and even wrote the music for the films in which he starred! More than 80 films. He was a worldwide icon, and he consistently got his message across without words. When the silent film era concluded he went into sound films. One can say perhaps with less and less success. And what a love life! Mistresses and four wives. Wives very much younger than himself. Quite a scandal for those times. His last wife was 36 years his junior. You must have heard of Oona O’Neill, Eugene O’Neill’s daughter, earlier involved with the young and not yet acclaimed J.D. Salinger! With Oona, Charlie had eight more children beyond the two from an earlier marriage. Sex is not explicitly described in this book but some readers may be upset by Chaplin’s sexual appetite.
There is more, the poverty and hardships of his childhood including an alcoholic and absentee father, life in workhouses and orphanages, a mother committed to an insane asylum. His experiences as a street urchin, his move to the States and all his years in the film industry. The McCarthy Era and why he moved to Switzerland. The book follows through to his death in 1977.
In a biography I want the facts, the good and the bad, and this book delivers. Not just comedy, but also controversy and scandal surround Charlie Chaplin. On completion of the book you have a rounded, balanced idea of Charlie’s personality, the events of his life, the times he lived through and a detailed description of very many of his films. I am totally satisfied with this book.
The narration of the audiobook by Ralph Lister was easy to follow. I have no complaints whatsoever on this account.
I did not know he directed, produced, edited, and even wrote the music for the films in which he starred! More than 80 films. He was a worldwide icon, and he consistently got his message across without words. When the silent film era concluded he went into sound films. One can say perhaps with less and less success. And what a love life! Mistresses and four wives. Wives very much younger than himself. Quite a scandal for those times. His last wife was 36 years his junior. You must have heard of Oona O’Neill, Eugene O’Neill’s daughter, earlier involved with the young and not yet acclaimed J.D. Salinger! With Oona, Charlie had eight more children beyond the two from an earlier marriage. Sex is not explicitly described in this book but some readers may be upset by Chaplin’s sexual appetite.
There is more, the poverty and hardships of his childhood including an alcoholic and absentee father, life in workhouses and orphanages, a mother committed to an insane asylum. His experiences as a street urchin, his move to the States and all his years in the film industry. The McCarthy Era and why he moved to Switzerland. The book follows through to his death in 1977.
In a biography I want the facts, the good and the bad, and this book delivers. Not just comedy, but also controversy and scandal surround Charlie Chaplin. On completion of the book you have a rounded, balanced idea of Charlie’s personality, the events of his life, the times he lived through and a detailed description of very many of his films. I am totally satisfied with this book.
The narration of the audiobook by Ralph Lister was easy to follow. I have no complaints whatsoever on this account.
April 15, 2021
"Enjoy any Charlie Chaplin you have the good luck or chance to encounter," one friend. Max Eastman, suggested. "But don't try to link them up to anything you can grasp. There are too many of them." Sam Goldwyn, a man who knew Chaplin well in the early years, deduced that he 'loved power' and hated anything that interfered with his personal freedom. He would accept invitations and then not attend the party or dinner to which he had been asked; he would forget appointments, or arrive very late; once he promised to be the best man at a friend's wedding but never turned up. He took up people only to drop them again." (PAGE 173)
I grabbed this on a whim and am so glad. I am a fan of black and white films and many silent films as I think they are truer in acting than most of anything done today. When I was first introduced to the world of Charlie Chaplin I was hooked with laughter and awe. He was a true artist yet I knew nothing about him except he was exiled to Switzerland, but this was wrong on my understanding.
So what did I learn about this man? Charles Chaplin never knew who his father was from a young age and grew up very poor in the South London area. His mother turned to prostitution when they were down on their luck. He loved his mother but it also gave him a great disdain and mistrust of women and prostitutes.
He was a self absorbed a-hole that treated women like poop and it was his way or no way. He liked very young women (13 & over) and once boasted he had slept with over 2,000 women in the film industry. He liked to seduce and charm then drop them when they fell in love. Charlie always had women on standby and was weirdly terrified of catching a venereal disease, although his actions say otherwise. Chaplin was scared of going back to being poor and was very stingy with his money and going as far not to buy anyone a round of drinks. He was so self-absorbed and arrogant he didn't want to share the limelight with his own children. He made everyone around him scared and nervous. This must have been his genius. I think if he wouldn't have been an artistic he could have surely gone in to be a serial killer, Bundy style. "Handsome" and charming but deadly.
I wanted to feel sorry for Chaplin sometimes but his personality made me mad at men in general. He grew up poor but looked down on them and never contributed one penny to any lower class charity in memory of his youth. Chaplin was very much ashamed of his upbringing. He was once called "a darling of the capitalist class" by a Japanese assassin.
I really liked the writing style of Peter Ackroyd. He really knows his information on this certain subject and would just lay the facts out in a storytelling way. He went through many films I have not even seen or heard of. He wrote from the time of his birth to the time of his death and didn't make it an epic.
Charlie's life and drama is certainly interesting. It was a great read and I laughed a lot. A little man with a big ego. Ackroyd at one point compares Chaplin and Hitler to one another and when you read this it all makes sense. Very enjoyable.
I grabbed this on a whim and am so glad. I am a fan of black and white films and many silent films as I think they are truer in acting than most of anything done today. When I was first introduced to the world of Charlie Chaplin I was hooked with laughter and awe. He was a true artist yet I knew nothing about him except he was exiled to Switzerland, but this was wrong on my understanding.
So what did I learn about this man? Charles Chaplin never knew who his father was from a young age and grew up very poor in the South London area. His mother turned to prostitution when they were down on their luck. He loved his mother but it also gave him a great disdain and mistrust of women and prostitutes.
He was a self absorbed a-hole that treated women like poop and it was his way or no way. He liked very young women (13 & over) and once boasted he had slept with over 2,000 women in the film industry. He liked to seduce and charm then drop them when they fell in love. Charlie always had women on standby and was weirdly terrified of catching a venereal disease, although his actions say otherwise. Chaplin was scared of going back to being poor and was very stingy with his money and going as far not to buy anyone a round of drinks. He was so self-absorbed and arrogant he didn't want to share the limelight with his own children. He made everyone around him scared and nervous. This must have been his genius. I think if he wouldn't have been an artistic he could have surely gone in to be a serial killer, Bundy style. "Handsome" and charming but deadly.
I wanted to feel sorry for Chaplin sometimes but his personality made me mad at men in general. He grew up poor but looked down on them and never contributed one penny to any lower class charity in memory of his youth. Chaplin was very much ashamed of his upbringing. He was once called "a darling of the capitalist class" by a Japanese assassin.
I really liked the writing style of Peter Ackroyd. He really knows his information on this certain subject and would just lay the facts out in a storytelling way. He went through many films I have not even seen or heard of. He wrote from the time of his birth to the time of his death and didn't make it an epic.
Charlie's life and drama is certainly interesting. It was a great read and I laughed a lot. A little man with a big ego. Ackroyd at one point compares Chaplin and Hitler to one another and when you read this it all makes sense. Very enjoyable.
May 16, 2014
Have to say, it really felt as though Ackroyd dislikes Chaplin immensely.. He didn't have many words of praise for him, but was more than happy to point out all the terrible things he said or did. This was the 8th Chaplin biography I have read and unlike any other as it painted Chaplin in a bad light the entire way through the book. It astounds me how you can be inspired to write a book about someone who you clearly have no admiration for and put so much effort into writing a book which points out personality flaw after personality flaw and includes so much hearsay.
Hang on, is Ackroyd related to the late Joan Barry by any chance?
Hang on, is Ackroyd related to the late Joan Barry by any chance?
June 15, 2024
Ackroyd'un Chaplin'i
İçerik bir yana metnin kendisi konforlu planıyla dikkat çekiyor. Ackroyd nerede doğduğu ve kimden olduğu bilinmeyen Chaplin'in öyküsünü ta başından anlatırken arkadaşlarını, sanatçıları, yazarları ve eleştirmenleri kısa cümleleriyle anlatıya 'sık sık'-burası önemli, 'sık sık'- dahil etmesi; filmlerini hangi şartlarda ve içerikte çektiğini, seyircideki sonuçlarını detaya girmeden tek tek 'detaylıca' anlatması zevkli okuma kovalayan okura şapka çıkartıyor. Anlatının içerik kısmı soru işaretleriyle dolup taşıyor! Bir benzetme yapmak istiyorum: Chaplin düşmanı birinin ya da örgütün bir dedektif tutup hazırlatacağı, Chaplin'in ruhi/bedeni ne kadar arızası varsa hepsinin tanıklarıyla anlatıldığı, kirli çamaşırların ve sabıkalarnın da eklendiği bir dosya gibi duruyor Ackroyd'un Chaplin biyografisi. Yani bu kadar olur! Bu adamın filmlerinden başka hiç mi güzelliği yok, yaptığı hiç mi bir kıyağı yok hayata? Özetle, Ackroyd'un Chaplin'i kötülük destanı. Karşıma çıkan tanıdık tanımadık herkese havam iyiyse esir alıp Charlie Chaplin'i anlatıp durdum. Hangi Chaplin'den bahsediyorsun kardeşim deyip dayanamayanlar oldu. Ben diyorum bu herif insansevmez biri, olur mu Chaplin sevgi adamı diyor. Ben diyorum bu adam kadın düşmanı, ne alakası varmış Chaplin aşk insanymış. Anlaşılan o ki başka Chaplin var, hatta Chaplinler! Ackroyd'un Chaplin'i açgözlü, kıskanç, haset dolu, cimri, insansevmez, yalancı... böyle uzayıp gidiyor. Chaplin'in kitabın genelinde bahsi edilen karakteri özelliği, narsist (özsever) oluşu. Merkezde sadece Chaplin var, herkes ona tabii. Dolayısıyla özel, iş ve sosyal hayatında tam bir faşist. Diktatör filminin beğenilmesi rastlantı olmasa gerek, kendisini oynadı. Yani Chaplin'i nükleer bombasının düğmesine yaklaştırsanız "lanet haşeretler" deyip gözünü de kırpmadan düğmeye basacak karakterde. Yoksullardan iğrenen biri. Sokakta alkış almadığına depresyona girip eve kapanan biri. Yaşamak çalışmaktır diyen işkolik hödüklerden biri. İş bıraktığında aklına tek gelen şey kadınla yatmak. Sohbetlerde 'karı kız' konuşan biri. Vasıfsız insanlarla çalışan biri. Sinemaya ses kazandırılmasına sinemaya ihanettir diyerek karşı çıkan sanat yobazı biri. İstanbul hatırası fotoğrafçıları gibi kamerayı sabit tutup sadece kendisini çekmeyi sinema yapmak zanneden cahil biri. Pandomimi aktörlük zanneden illet biri. Kapitalist yaşantısıyla Amerika’da halka seslenişlerde komünizm propagandası yapan, mikrofonu bulduğu her fırsatta Ruslara övgüler düzen, gazetecilerin "siz komünist misiniz" sorusuna da "Hayır nerden çıkarıyorsunuz bunu. Ben komünist değil barış tüccarıyım diyerek milleti keriz yerine koyan biri. Yaşamının sonlarına gelirken yazdığı Hayatımın Hikayesi biyografisinde kendisini anlatmayı tercih etmeyen biri. Spoiler sınırına geldiğim için noktayı koyuyorum.
İçerik bir yana metnin kendisi konforlu planıyla dikkat çekiyor. Ackroyd nerede doğduğu ve kimden olduğu bilinmeyen Chaplin'in öyküsünü ta başından anlatırken arkadaşlarını, sanatçıları, yazarları ve eleştirmenleri kısa cümleleriyle anlatıya 'sık sık'-burası önemli, 'sık sık'- dahil etmesi; filmlerini hangi şartlarda ve içerikte çektiğini, seyircideki sonuçlarını detaya girmeden tek tek 'detaylıca' anlatması zevkli okuma kovalayan okura şapka çıkartıyor. Anlatının içerik kısmı soru işaretleriyle dolup taşıyor! Bir benzetme yapmak istiyorum: Chaplin düşmanı birinin ya da örgütün bir dedektif tutup hazırlatacağı, Chaplin'in ruhi/bedeni ne kadar arızası varsa hepsinin tanıklarıyla anlatıldığı, kirli çamaşırların ve sabıkalarnın da eklendiği bir dosya gibi duruyor Ackroyd'un Chaplin biyografisi. Yani bu kadar olur! Bu adamın filmlerinden başka hiç mi güzelliği yok, yaptığı hiç mi bir kıyağı yok hayata? Özetle, Ackroyd'un Chaplin'i kötülük destanı. Karşıma çıkan tanıdık tanımadık herkese havam iyiyse esir alıp Charlie Chaplin'i anlatıp durdum. Hangi Chaplin'den bahsediyorsun kardeşim deyip dayanamayanlar oldu. Ben diyorum bu herif insansevmez biri, olur mu Chaplin sevgi adamı diyor. Ben diyorum bu adam kadın düşmanı, ne alakası varmış Chaplin aşk insanymış. Anlaşılan o ki başka Chaplin var, hatta Chaplinler! Ackroyd'un Chaplin'i açgözlü, kıskanç, haset dolu, cimri, insansevmez, yalancı... böyle uzayıp gidiyor. Chaplin'in kitabın genelinde bahsi edilen karakteri özelliği, narsist (özsever) oluşu. Merkezde sadece Chaplin var, herkes ona tabii. Dolayısıyla özel, iş ve sosyal hayatında tam bir faşist. Diktatör filminin beğenilmesi rastlantı olmasa gerek, kendisini oynadı. Yani Chaplin'i nükleer bombasının düğmesine yaklaştırsanız "lanet haşeretler" deyip gözünü de kırpmadan düğmeye basacak karakterde. Yoksullardan iğrenen biri. Sokakta alkış almadığına depresyona girip eve kapanan biri. Yaşamak çalışmaktır diyen işkolik hödüklerden biri. İş bıraktığında aklına tek gelen şey kadınla yatmak. Sohbetlerde 'karı kız' konuşan biri. Vasıfsız insanlarla çalışan biri. Sinemaya ses kazandırılmasına sinemaya ihanettir diyerek karşı çıkan sanat yobazı biri. İstanbul hatırası fotoğrafçıları gibi kamerayı sabit tutup sadece kendisini çekmeyi sinema yapmak zanneden cahil biri. Pandomimi aktörlük zanneden illet biri. Kapitalist yaşantısıyla Amerika’da halka seslenişlerde komünizm propagandası yapan, mikrofonu bulduğu her fırsatta Ruslara övgüler düzen, gazetecilerin "siz komünist misiniz" sorusuna da "Hayır nerden çıkarıyorsunuz bunu. Ben komünist değil barış tüccarıyım diyerek milleti keriz yerine koyan biri. Yaşamının sonlarına gelirken yazdığı Hayatımın Hikayesi biyografisinde kendisini anlatmayı tercih etmeyen biri. Spoiler sınırına geldiğim için noktayı koyuyorum.
May 8, 2021
Ето така явно се пише, когато искрено не харесваш човека, за когото пишеш. Давам 2 звезди заради труда да бъдат описани хронологично събитията... Но личността на Чарли Чаплин не може да бъде почувствана посредством тази книга... Не ми допадна.
July 7, 2015
With "Charlie Chaplin: A Brief Life", Peter Ackroyd adds another title to his excellent "Brief Lives" series. This is the perfect starting place for those who know little of Chaplin, or who only know that he was a silent film comic, or that he was the father of actress Geraldine Chaplin ("Doctor Zhivago"), or that his last wife Oona, was the daughter of Eugene O'Neill.
"Charlie Chaplin" is a lively introduction to a man who is arguably one of the biggest movie talents of the 20th century. His early life, rife with poverty, shaded everything he did in his career (including his famed miserliness). His mother was in and out of asylums. Chaplin was never sure who his biological father actually was. Along with his mother and brother, Sydney, he often had to perform menial jobs to bring home money. Sometimes, the family didn't eat. Eventually, Chaplin took up the music-hall circuit (both his parents had done stage work for awhile) and touring theatre companies, learning and perfecting his craft. Eventually, he journeyed to the US to work with Mack Sennett, Fatty Arbuckle and Mabel Normand (who rejected Chaplin's advances - she was Mack Sennett's mistress). And of course, he formed United Artists some years later with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.
Ackroyd does not idolize Chaplin, but his treatment is even-handed. This man does NOT create warm, fuzzy feelings in the reader's breast. To put it bluntly, Charlie Chaplin was an egotistical, self-absorbed, womanizing satyr, a top candidate for "Bastard of the 20th Century" (and there were a lot of contenders for that prize back then).
His ego knew no bounds. On more than one occasion, when he thought an actor was "overdoing it" on the set, he would scream at them, "The audience comes to see me, not you!" Whether onscreen or off, Chaplin ALWAYS insisted on being the center of attention. If he wasn't, he sulked and became irascible. His temper on movie sets (and in daily life) was legendary. Moody, depressive, then frenzied, he would today no doubt be diagnosed as manic-depressive. He terrified people - his wives, his lovers, his co-workers. A tyrannical dictator on the set, he drove himself relentlessly in his work with a frenzy that left many puzzled. As with his ego, his energy was constantly pumping at full speed.
But he made some of the most memorable silent comic masterpieces ever filmed. To this day, they are noted for their leading man's grace, timing, elegance and flawless execution. Once "talkies" arrived, and many people thought Chaplin's career was washed up, he resisted, making his last silent, "Modern Times", before attacking sound with "The Great Dictator" in 1940.
But the days for actors from his era were quickly coming to an end. After 1940, he made a few films but he never rose to the heights of fame he occupied during the silent era. His career seemed to gradually fade away. Despite the man's horrendous character flaws, it seems rather sad.
After reading this book, one can return to the films ("City Lights", "The Gold Rush", "Modern Times") to see in their story lines Chaplin's life-long obsessions with penury, the fear of being forgotten, the fear of failure. It is interesting that he always referred to his famous "Little Tramp" character as the "little fellow". Divorcing himself deliberately from his famous character, Chaplin made it clear that the “Little Tramp” was not him. Yet, it is so clear - then and now - that indeed the Tramp WAS this puzzling man’s alter ego. Essentially, the "little fellow" was Chaplin's shadow side - or perhaps it was the other way around.
"Charlie Chaplin" is a lively introduction to a man who is arguably one of the biggest movie talents of the 20th century. His early life, rife with poverty, shaded everything he did in his career (including his famed miserliness). His mother was in and out of asylums. Chaplin was never sure who his biological father actually was. Along with his mother and brother, Sydney, he often had to perform menial jobs to bring home money. Sometimes, the family didn't eat. Eventually, Chaplin took up the music-hall circuit (both his parents had done stage work for awhile) and touring theatre companies, learning and perfecting his craft. Eventually, he journeyed to the US to work with Mack Sennett, Fatty Arbuckle and Mabel Normand (who rejected Chaplin's advances - she was Mack Sennett's mistress). And of course, he formed United Artists some years later with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.
Ackroyd does not idolize Chaplin, but his treatment is even-handed. This man does NOT create warm, fuzzy feelings in the reader's breast. To put it bluntly, Charlie Chaplin was an egotistical, self-absorbed, womanizing satyr, a top candidate for "Bastard of the 20th Century" (and there were a lot of contenders for that prize back then).
His ego knew no bounds. On more than one occasion, when he thought an actor was "overdoing it" on the set, he would scream at them, "The audience comes to see me, not you!" Whether onscreen or off, Chaplin ALWAYS insisted on being the center of attention. If he wasn't, he sulked and became irascible. His temper on movie sets (and in daily life) was legendary. Moody, depressive, then frenzied, he would today no doubt be diagnosed as manic-depressive. He terrified people - his wives, his lovers, his co-workers. A tyrannical dictator on the set, he drove himself relentlessly in his work with a frenzy that left many puzzled. As with his ego, his energy was constantly pumping at full speed.
But he made some of the most memorable silent comic masterpieces ever filmed. To this day, they are noted for their leading man's grace, timing, elegance and flawless execution. Once "talkies" arrived, and many people thought Chaplin's career was washed up, he resisted, making his last silent, "Modern Times", before attacking sound with "The Great Dictator" in 1940.
But the days for actors from his era were quickly coming to an end. After 1940, he made a few films but he never rose to the heights of fame he occupied during the silent era. His career seemed to gradually fade away. Despite the man's horrendous character flaws, it seems rather sad.
After reading this book, one can return to the films ("City Lights", "The Gold Rush", "Modern Times") to see in their story lines Chaplin's life-long obsessions with penury, the fear of being forgotten, the fear of failure. It is interesting that he always referred to his famous "Little Tramp" character as the "little fellow". Divorcing himself deliberately from his famous character, Chaplin made it clear that the “Little Tramp” was not him. Yet, it is so clear - then and now - that indeed the Tramp WAS this puzzling man’s alter ego. Essentially, the "little fellow" was Chaplin's shadow side - or perhaps it was the other way around.
April 22, 2020
On the recent birthday of Charlie Chaplin, I realized that I had never read a biography of his life. I knew many details from other books detailing interactions with the famous comedian, but what was it about his life that contributed to some of the most brilliant filmmaking I’d seen?
A detailed search soon exposed a new dilemma. Chaplin’s own autobiography was known for its glaring omissions and “reimaginings” of events. Other books focused on a specific aspect of Chaplin, frequently an analysis of his completed films. Still others contained disputed accounts of their own or centered on their own agenda. Was there a well-balanced and accurate offering that didn’t over-praise or shy away from the less savory details?
I settled on CHARLIE CHAPLIN: A BRIEF LIFE, and it was a most satisfying read. It went into much more detail than most extended feature articles, although it was easy to follow with progressions that made a lot of sense.
It also presented a man who I would not have cared to know in person.
Several themes were presented that had recurring examples:
* Chaplin’s fears of poverty and that he might be prone to inherited madness;
* His limited formal education was often revealed in his beliefs that were either simplistic or ill-informed. (An example of the latter was his unfortunate endorsement of Joseph Stalin.);
* He was a person who often did not like or trust people. At the same time, he was always acting (even off-screen) and had an amazing gift for mimicry ... almost to the point that his true self didn’t exist.
Ackroyd’s analysis of Chaplin’s films is both sensitive and logical. He describes real life incidents that captured Chaplin’s imagination and inspired his storylines. He delves into Chaplin’s work process that frequently resulted in an astonishing number of “takes” of a scene before it was “right.” He explained why there is little camera movement in Chaplin’s films, and how the artist was adverse to any criticism.
At the same time, Ackroyd is also quick to acknowledge genius. Much of Chaplin’s work is exceptional with a timing and execution that is flawless. There is a reason why his films are still studied today.
Among the people I read about who intersected with Chaplin’s life were Stan Laurel, Buster Keaton, Winston Churchill, H.G. Wells, Orson Welles and ... my favorite ... Louise Brooks. Several of their stories I had read about before, although it was good to re-read them based on what was happening in Chaplin’s life.
I highly recommend CHARLIE CHAPLIN: A BRIEF LIFE.
A detailed search soon exposed a new dilemma. Chaplin’s own autobiography was known for its glaring omissions and “reimaginings” of events. Other books focused on a specific aspect of Chaplin, frequently an analysis of his completed films. Still others contained disputed accounts of their own or centered on their own agenda. Was there a well-balanced and accurate offering that didn’t over-praise or shy away from the less savory details?
I settled on CHARLIE CHAPLIN: A BRIEF LIFE, and it was a most satisfying read. It went into much more detail than most extended feature articles, although it was easy to follow with progressions that made a lot of sense.
It also presented a man who I would not have cared to know in person.
Several themes were presented that had recurring examples:
* Chaplin’s fears of poverty and that he might be prone to inherited madness;
* His limited formal education was often revealed in his beliefs that were either simplistic or ill-informed. (An example of the latter was his unfortunate endorsement of Joseph Stalin.);
* He was a person who often did not like or trust people. At the same time, he was always acting (even off-screen) and had an amazing gift for mimicry ... almost to the point that his true self didn’t exist.
Ackroyd’s analysis of Chaplin’s films is both sensitive and logical. He describes real life incidents that captured Chaplin’s imagination and inspired his storylines. He delves into Chaplin’s work process that frequently resulted in an astonishing number of “takes” of a scene before it was “right.” He explained why there is little camera movement in Chaplin’s films, and how the artist was adverse to any criticism.
At the same time, Ackroyd is also quick to acknowledge genius. Much of Chaplin’s work is exceptional with a timing and execution that is flawless. There is a reason why his films are still studied today.
Among the people I read about who intersected with Chaplin’s life were Stan Laurel, Buster Keaton, Winston Churchill, H.G. Wells, Orson Welles and ... my favorite ... Louise Brooks. Several of their stories I had read about before, although it was good to re-read them based on what was happening in Chaplin’s life.
I highly recommend CHARLIE CHAPLIN: A BRIEF LIFE.
April 19, 2015
Peter Ackroyd shows how Charlie Chaplin was much more than a Keystone cop or a sad tramp in this overview of his full and difficult life. Chaplin was also a director, producer, distributor and the founder of United Artists. He even seems to be a crude pioneer of method acting. While famous for his silent roles, while others clung to the past, he was able to transition to "talkies". In his last film (1967) he embraced color, directing Marlon Brando and Sophia Lauren in the "Countess From Hong Kong".
He never forgot his roots (for good and bad) as a London street urchin. He both educated and bootstrapped himself to international stardom. Ackroyd covers his turbulent personal life encompassing his early poverty, the mental problems of his mother, his marriages/principle affairs, his dictatorial demeanor with staff and children (perhaps his wives too), his paternity and Mann Act legal issues, the FBI interest in his "red" leanings, his "flight" from the US and more. Through all this, you see how paranoia, sentimentality, and self-absorption are constant throughout his life.
The films are described and a bit on their production is given. Three of them, previously unknown to me, stand out for taking on difficult issues. In Modern Times (1936) describes the plight of industrial workers, in The Great Dictator (1940) satirizes Hitler (played by Chaplin) before the full horrors of his rule were known and in Monsieur Verdoux (1947) he takes on the post-war military industrial complex.
There is a glimpse of his marriage to Oona (who lives on in crossword puzzles) O'Neill. Through what is available to the public, she seems to be an ideal 1950's style doting wife. Behind the scenes there is door slamming/locking, abuse of their children and plenty of alcohol. Not noted here is that she was also the object of J.D. Salinger's affection; he never forgot her. It is hard to say if she made the right choice between these two suitors.
There are good photos that match the text. There is an index and a bibliography. Both appear extensive but I didn't use either.
Do not expect a full scale biography. As defined by the title, Ackroyd condensed this immense life for a general reader. It can be considered an "Introduction to Charlie Chaplin". This life was so full that any of the films, aspects or time periods of his life could fill a book, and as time goes on, undoubtedly will.
He never forgot his roots (for good and bad) as a London street urchin. He both educated and bootstrapped himself to international stardom. Ackroyd covers his turbulent personal life encompassing his early poverty, the mental problems of his mother, his marriages/principle affairs, his dictatorial demeanor with staff and children (perhaps his wives too), his paternity and Mann Act legal issues, the FBI interest in his "red" leanings, his "flight" from the US and more. Through all this, you see how paranoia, sentimentality, and self-absorption are constant throughout his life.
The films are described and a bit on their production is given. Three of them, previously unknown to me, stand out for taking on difficult issues. In Modern Times (1936) describes the plight of industrial workers, in The Great Dictator (1940) satirizes Hitler (played by Chaplin) before the full horrors of his rule were known and in Monsieur Verdoux (1947) he takes on the post-war military industrial complex.
There is a glimpse of his marriage to Oona (who lives on in crossword puzzles) O'Neill. Through what is available to the public, she seems to be an ideal 1950's style doting wife. Behind the scenes there is door slamming/locking, abuse of their children and plenty of alcohol. Not noted here is that she was also the object of J.D. Salinger's affection; he never forgot her. It is hard to say if she made the right choice between these two suitors.
There are good photos that match the text. There is an index and a bibliography. Both appear extensive but I didn't use either.
Do not expect a full scale biography. As defined by the title, Ackroyd condensed this immense life for a general reader. It can be considered an "Introduction to Charlie Chaplin". This life was so full that any of the films, aspects or time periods of his life could fill a book, and as time goes on, undoubtedly will.
October 26, 2025
Boa biografia acerca de uma das personagens mais marcantes da primeira metade do século XX.
Charlie Chaplin foi uma figura ímpar no cinema, esteve no início e todos nos recordamos com carinho e alegria dos seus filmes mudos, a epítome da diversão.
Adorei ver os filmes e ainda hoje, no YouTube, me farto de rir ao vê-los. CC teve uma contribuição ímpar para com o cinema e isso ficará para sempre na história da sétima arte.
O que eu não conhecia de todo era o seu lado mais negro… descrito pelos seus colegas atores e colaboradores como sendo déspota, egocêntrico, cruel e controlador. A nível pessoal, um misógino, paranóico, agressivo e, na sociedade de hoje em dia, pedófilo…
Não fazia ideia… aparentemente, CC passou a vida toda a representar, pessoa muito desagradável e que mostra que as aparências, realmente, enganam.
Esta sua personalidade trouxe-lhe imensos problemas com os media e autoridades norte-americanas numa altura em que se lutava contra o comunismo, pelo qual tinha notória admiração, apesar de nunca assumida.
CC teve imenso sucesso numa altura de grandes dificuldades: grande depressão, primeira e segunda guerra mundial…
Começou no teatro de rua e ambulante em Inglaterra, onde nasceu. Foi muito pobre em criança, talvez seja a razão para ser viciado no livro Oliver Twist, de Dickens, com quem tinha muito em comum. Não teve uma infância fácil…
Mas o seu contributo para a História do cinema nunca poderá ser posto em causa.
Boa leitura!
Charlie Chaplin foi uma figura ímpar no cinema, esteve no início e todos nos recordamos com carinho e alegria dos seus filmes mudos, a epítome da diversão.
Adorei ver os filmes e ainda hoje, no YouTube, me farto de rir ao vê-los. CC teve uma contribuição ímpar para com o cinema e isso ficará para sempre na história da sétima arte.
O que eu não conhecia de todo era o seu lado mais negro… descrito pelos seus colegas atores e colaboradores como sendo déspota, egocêntrico, cruel e controlador. A nível pessoal, um misógino, paranóico, agressivo e, na sociedade de hoje em dia, pedófilo…
Não fazia ideia… aparentemente, CC passou a vida toda a representar, pessoa muito desagradável e que mostra que as aparências, realmente, enganam.
Esta sua personalidade trouxe-lhe imensos problemas com os media e autoridades norte-americanas numa altura em que se lutava contra o comunismo, pelo qual tinha notória admiração, apesar de nunca assumida.
CC teve imenso sucesso numa altura de grandes dificuldades: grande depressão, primeira e segunda guerra mundial…
Começou no teatro de rua e ambulante em Inglaterra, onde nasceu. Foi muito pobre em criança, talvez seja a razão para ser viciado no livro Oliver Twist, de Dickens, com quem tinha muito em comum. Não teve uma infância fácil…
Mas o seu contributo para a História do cinema nunca poderá ser posto em causa.
Boa leitura!
July 29, 2016
Not knowing much about Chaplin prior to this book, I was impressed with Chaplin's life. The author doesn't shy away from his bad side, but I felt he made Chaplin more human. Chaplin didn't have an easy life, and he wasn't a great guy, but he was an innovator of film and acting.
In one way, I wish I'd been familiar with the movies that were described in detail, but I felt they were very well described without my knowing them. It's been a long time since I've seen a Chaplin movie, so now I am inclined to watch a few.
I listened to the audio version of this, which was fairly well done, but I have the book on hold at my library too. I need to see the pictures!
All in all, this was a very interesting life story to me. Chaplin was literally the first movie star, and it seems he deserved that. He pushed boundaries and created works still admired today. I was especially interested in the way he straddled the lines between stage and film, and again when film added sound. Part of the intrigue in reading a book like this, to me, is to find out about the whole person, including his home life, and Charlie's was interesting to say the least.
In one way, I wish I'd been familiar with the movies that were described in detail, but I felt they were very well described without my knowing them. It's been a long time since I've seen a Chaplin movie, so now I am inclined to watch a few.
I listened to the audio version of this, which was fairly well done, but I have the book on hold at my library too. I need to see the pictures!
All in all, this was a very interesting life story to me. Chaplin was literally the first movie star, and it seems he deserved that. He pushed boundaries and created works still admired today. I was especially interested in the way he straddled the lines between stage and film, and again when film added sound. Part of the intrigue in reading a book like this, to me, is to find out about the whole person, including his home life, and Charlie's was interesting to say the least.
August 29, 2015
Charlie Chaplin. No doubt a genius. I figured there was much to be learned from this bio. I'd read Peter Ackroyd's novel, English Music, and so knew he is a fine writer. And I was right, there was much to be learned. But a lot of such learning was distasteful because of Charlie Chaplin, the man.
Ackroyd starts at the very beginning. Chaplin's days as a street urchin in London. Chaplin's paternity was disputed. His mother was insane. It was said he had gypsy blood. (And from Chaplin himself a questioner might get a different answer when asking the same question.) One thing was certain though—Chaplin was immensely talented, and innately funny.
As a tyke he was part of an impromptu skit. He was playing his little part and the people watching were so delighted with his performance they threw coins onto the stage. Ditching his role, little Charlie hurriedly scampered to the coins and picked them up, which elicited even more delight from the crowd.
And voila a persona was born. The "little fellow" and "the little tramp." Such personas would remain with Chaplin his entire career. (And the few times he shed them, his fans were not pleased—a disgruntled fan wrote Chaplin saying, 'Your last film was not quite up to snuff. Charlie, always remember, you can be a slave to the public or the public can be your slave. And the public loves to be a slave!')
As the subtitle implies the book isn't overwritten. I would say it's just about right.
Chaplin himself was a trip. To say he was a monomaniac might be an understatement. He was driven by his art. And by whatever he wanted. Often he wanted teenage girls. Even in his fifties.
Scandals abounded but so did his art. He was a tireless worker. A major hurdle came with the "talkies" (motion pictures with sound). A hurdle—he had a weak voice and felt all his art was in his ability to pantomime—he never overcame.
It was quite a crazy life. I remember John Belushi saying that his comedy sprung from rage. This would certainly apply to Mr. Chaplin. (As well as several other demons driving him.)
I don't know that I learned anything particularly about genius, but I did learn a lot about what drives a human being to achieve great heights in art.
It's a very interesting book. And if you're interested in art, it's even more interesting. If you're interested in acting, you will learn a tremendous amount.
Ackroyd starts at the very beginning. Chaplin's days as a street urchin in London. Chaplin's paternity was disputed. His mother was insane. It was said he had gypsy blood. (And from Chaplin himself a questioner might get a different answer when asking the same question.) One thing was certain though—Chaplin was immensely talented, and innately funny.
As a tyke he was part of an impromptu skit. He was playing his little part and the people watching were so delighted with his performance they threw coins onto the stage. Ditching his role, little Charlie hurriedly scampered to the coins and picked them up, which elicited even more delight from the crowd.
And voila a persona was born. The "little fellow" and "the little tramp." Such personas would remain with Chaplin his entire career. (And the few times he shed them, his fans were not pleased—a disgruntled fan wrote Chaplin saying, 'Your last film was not quite up to snuff. Charlie, always remember, you can be a slave to the public or the public can be your slave. And the public loves to be a slave!')
As the subtitle implies the book isn't overwritten. I would say it's just about right.
Chaplin himself was a trip. To say he was a monomaniac might be an understatement. He was driven by his art. And by whatever he wanted. Often he wanted teenage girls. Even in his fifties.
Scandals abounded but so did his art. He was a tireless worker. A major hurdle came with the "talkies" (motion pictures with sound). A hurdle—he had a weak voice and felt all his art was in his ability to pantomime—he never overcame.
It was quite a crazy life. I remember John Belushi saying that his comedy sprung from rage. This would certainly apply to Mr. Chaplin. (As well as several other demons driving him.)
I don't know that I learned anything particularly about genius, but I did learn a lot about what drives a human being to achieve great heights in art.
It's a very interesting book. And if you're interested in art, it's even more interesting. If you're interested in acting, you will learn a tremendous amount.
November 22, 2014
There are many things to dislike about Chaplin but to not like this book about some of things is inappropriate. Ackroyd in no way goes out of his way to trash Chaplin as has been claimed in more than one review here. Chaplin did that himself. Writing in somewhat of a post-Stendhal manner that entails an emphasis on psychological insight, Ackroyd tells a fairly succinct warts-and-all biography that I found enlightening as can be expected from the seemingly 100th biography of Chaplin. It would be impossible to write a biography of Chaplin that doesn't include the praise that his films certainly deserve and that praise is certainly here. What Ackroyd reveals is that like many great artists that pour their entire existence into their art - the private side of such humans often involves many seemingly necessitated oversights.
Does it really bother people so much to know that Chaplin sought juvenile partners to obey and thus excite him? I thought everyone knew that already...sure it's creepy but this is no revelation. Are people offended to learn that he was an ego-maniacal despot? This is also well documented and it is simply impossible to bifurcate the bad from the good. He put the good on the screen, for the most part, and the demons sat along side him to watch his amazing films with the rest of the world.
I might have liked a bit more details about his fellow actors as I am deeply interested in his peers that often obscured by the giant shadow the little fellow cast. I'll accept that as inevitable.
Chaplin was probably the greatest actor and greatest entertainer that lived. Do we need to call him the greatest human as well to accept a less than fan frenzied overlooking of his faults?
This book, and no book ever will diminish what Chaplin gave to the world. Great comedians are almost always born of great suffering and many times, and in equal measure they leave just as many scars as laugh lines. Ackroyd succeeds in making that very clear in a relatively brief 270 pages.
Does it really bother people so much to know that Chaplin sought juvenile partners to obey and thus excite him? I thought everyone knew that already...sure it's creepy but this is no revelation. Are people offended to learn that he was an ego-maniacal despot? This is also well documented and it is simply impossible to bifurcate the bad from the good. He put the good on the screen, for the most part, and the demons sat along side him to watch his amazing films with the rest of the world.
I might have liked a bit more details about his fellow actors as I am deeply interested in his peers that often obscured by the giant shadow the little fellow cast. I'll accept that as inevitable.
Chaplin was probably the greatest actor and greatest entertainer that lived. Do we need to call him the greatest human as well to accept a less than fan frenzied overlooking of his faults?
This book, and no book ever will diminish what Chaplin gave to the world. Great comedians are almost always born of great suffering and many times, and in equal measure they leave just as many scars as laugh lines. Ackroyd succeeds in making that very clear in a relatively brief 270 pages.
March 31, 2019
If you are in need to discover Chaplin’s life before he signed with Max Sennett, Ackroyd has the history, in great detail. Most bios are on shaky ground about Chaplin’s early life, but the author allows Chaplin’s sordid and pathetic childhood to blossom like a sad leaf on a hopeless tree. The first half of this beautiful bio alone is worth your efforts. Ackroyd shows us how he learned and sharpened his crafts, and how the training never left his consciousness. Five stars ⭐️
July 6, 2021
This biography is full of fascinating detail about Chaplin's early life in London and the beginnings of silent cinema in the USA where he became hugely successful. It's honest, and gritty - no gloss. As it should be.
December 15, 2022
Astonishing talent and utter determination propelled Chaplin from abject poverty and parental neglect to stardom. He became the first movie superstar and he still is the most recognisable film icon all over the world.
Today’s audiences will find the movies he directed and played in almost 100 years ago still funny and endearing to watch.
A troubled genius (“success only intensified that irritable sensation of being in need or want of something—or someone—he could not find”), who at some point seemed to transform in gold everything he touched, Chaplin was a human being with a complex, sometimes bewildering personality.
This exemplary biography covers, with meaningful critic considerations, the most important events in the life and work of the great artist in a flowing, captivating narrative – I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Today’s audiences will find the movies he directed and played in almost 100 years ago still funny and endearing to watch.
A troubled genius (“success only intensified that irritable sensation of being in need or want of something—or someone—he could not find”), who at some point seemed to transform in gold everything he touched, Chaplin was a human being with a complex, sometimes bewildering personality.
This exemplary biography covers, with meaningful critic considerations, the most important events in the life and work of the great artist in a flowing, captivating narrative – I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
August 22, 2023
Jag kommer nog aldrig läsa klart den här boken. Ackroyd verkar av mina googlingar att döma vara en sån där märkligt uppburen populärkulturell maskin som bara slungar ur sig böcker. Mest om London och engelska kungar och Charles Dickens och sånt, men i somras låg svärfar på stranden med en bok om Venedig, skriven av Peter Ackroyd.
Den här Chaplinboken var ganska välskriven, men researchen verkar mest bestått i att Ackroyd sett varenda film, och det är förvisso ingen liten uppgift. Han går systematiskt igenom filmografin, återger handling och bedömer Chaplins rollprestation.
Vet ni vad som är ännu tråkigare än att kolla på stumfilm? Att läsa stumfilm.
Den här Chaplinboken var ganska välskriven, men researchen verkar mest bestått i att Ackroyd sett varenda film, och det är förvisso ingen liten uppgift. Han går systematiskt igenom filmografin, återger handling och bedömer Chaplins rollprestation.
Vet ni vad som är ännu tråkigare än att kolla på stumfilm? Att läsa stumfilm.
March 20, 2018
Una vida triste que solo daba alegría en el trabajo. Es la primera biografía que leo de Charles Chaplin, sin embargo, no me quedo satisfecho por la credibilidad, que transmite el autor, que deja entrever cierta animadversion personal por el protagonista, atribuyéndole méritos casi de manera forzada. De todos modos está aparentemente bien documentado y resulta interesante su punto de vista. a veces pesado, a veces dinámico.
June 16, 2024
Skomplikowany, choc splycony, portret psychologiczny smutnego czlowieka skrytego pod maska najzabawniejszego komika swiata.
Chetnie weszlabym kiedys w wiekszy szczegol, bo wydaje sie, ze tam bardzo duzo dzialo sie pod kopula. Niestety w tej ksiazce tego nie znalazlam
Chetnie weszlabym kiedys w wiekszy szczegol, bo wydaje sie, ze tam bardzo duzo dzialo sie pod kopula. Niestety w tej ksiazce tego nie znalazlam
January 4, 2025
CHARLIE CHAPLIN: A BRIEF LIFE by Peter Ackroyd. Even though it was only 4 or so weeks ago, I can't remember why i wanted to read about Chaplin and see a couple of his movies. I'm waiting for the movies to arrive from the library
I decided that even though I could not recall the why of my quest, I read ihe first book that came from the library, an e-audio. This book was a biography, only 9 hours long, and satisfied my curiosity. So I will cancel the hold on the other title.
This was not a muckraking book, so that was good. My only issue was the British narrator. I never heard CON-tro-versy pronounced contrivisy! There were several instances like this. I'm not really complaining: it just threw me off
This book served me well. 3.5 stars
I decided that even though I could not recall the why of my quest, I read ihe first book that came from the library, an e-audio. This book was a biography, only 9 hours long, and satisfied my curiosity. So I will cancel the hold on the other title.
This was not a muckraking book, so that was good. My only issue was the British narrator. I never heard CON-tro-versy pronounced contrivisy! There were several instances like this. I'm not really complaining: it just threw me off
This book served me well. 3.5 stars
June 29, 2021
En un momento dado querés lo imposible: que Chaplin se perpetúe en el éxito, que no pase de moda, que se adapte a las nuevas tecnologías y siga vigente hasta el final. No lo logra pero su salida es decorosa y su vigencia, de un modo distinto, continua.
Lo extrañé a Jerome Salinger en la historia.
Lo extrañé a Jerome Salinger en la historia.
April 12, 2020
I have read and appreciated at least six books by Peter Ackroyd. He writes with care and precision and excels at finding the revealing detail or quote and in attaching a convincing interpretation to it. Many of the unfavorable reviews here refer to Chaplin’s seemingly detestable personality and question Ackroyd’s sympathy toward his subject. But the author shows considerable respect for Chaplin the artist (if less for the unhappy, self-absorbed man). Reading biography only to find role models is like complaining at an unhappy ending in a novel. Reading should take in more. The writing in this book is something to savor. The insights about the movies are rewarding. And Ackroyd mentions Chaplin’s “friends” often enough to make one wonder if the slights about Charlie himself might be overdone, though it remains clear that the crushing poverty of Chaplin’s boyhood and the immense wealth and fame of his youth created something of a monster.
October 9, 2014
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I am a Charlie Chaplin fan. While I'm mainly a fan of his life, his movies reach me and connect. And that reach is something I feel this book falls short on. Sure, it is packed full of information about the life of Charlie Chaplin. What it lacks is pizzazz, that spark that forms a bond between the reader and all the empathy that Charlie tried to pass on through his silent screen days.
This reads like a text book. Very dry, and boring and that style seems to corrupt some of the facts. The presentation makes them seem almost conjecture in the flippant way they are projected.
For hard core fans, I don't think you'll find any shattering new revelations here, and for those just trying to get acquainted with the man, this doesn't do him justice.
I am a Charlie Chaplin fan. While I'm mainly a fan of his life, his movies reach me and connect. And that reach is something I feel this book falls short on. Sure, it is packed full of information about the life of Charlie Chaplin. What it lacks is pizzazz, that spark that forms a bond between the reader and all the empathy that Charlie tried to pass on through his silent screen days.
This reads like a text book. Very dry, and boring and that style seems to corrupt some of the facts. The presentation makes them seem almost conjecture in the flippant way they are projected.
For hard core fans, I don't think you'll find any shattering new revelations here, and for those just trying to get acquainted with the man, this doesn't do him justice.
August 14, 2015
I finally had viewed The Dictator and was so impressed I had to know more about Chaplin. I felt this book did a nice mini overall view. Chaplin was a very complex man. With such a tough early life it’s a wonder he stayed on the right side of the law.
I may now have to check out Fred Karno, the inventor of slapstick. I did like how the author explained the film edits & speed changes that created the look of the Mack Sennett comedies. As well as how perfectly timed and rehearsed all that slapstick was. I never thought about it! It just shows how much art went into their craft!
Stan Laurel was quoted in the early part of the book. They had met when they worked in Fred Karno’s troupe. The mention of that name made me smile. How I wish there mandatory classes in comedy and theater for young people. Swear words and bathroom humor isn’t necessary for laughter.
I may now have to check out Fred Karno, the inventor of slapstick. I did like how the author explained the film edits & speed changes that created the look of the Mack Sennett comedies. As well as how perfectly timed and rehearsed all that slapstick was. I never thought about it! It just shows how much art went into their craft!
Stan Laurel was quoted in the early part of the book. They had met when they worked in Fred Karno’s troupe. The mention of that name made me smile. How I wish there mandatory classes in comedy and theater for young people. Swear words and bathroom humor isn’t necessary for laughter.
February 21, 2015
I have to admit, sorrowfully, that I never knew the amazingly huge influence Charlie Chaplin had on the genre of Movies I adore so much. To say the least, he was like "THE BEATLES", and had the same influence, but for music.
I was amazed also, how his movies that I love to watch, also were testimonies to his horrible young life in London, with his brother and his mother.
Amazing to me just how influential he was. Meeting Ghandi, H.G. Wells, and J.M. Barrie...when he returned to London after becoming famous. And THEY wanted to meet him!
A wonderfully written book, sad and melancholy in places, just sad how Charlie Chaplin good never let go of his upbringing and the ghosts of his past.
But overall, an enjoying read all the same.
I was amazed also, how his movies that I love to watch, also were testimonies to his horrible young life in London, with his brother and his mother.
Amazing to me just how influential he was. Meeting Ghandi, H.G. Wells, and J.M. Barrie...when he returned to London after becoming famous. And THEY wanted to meet him!
A wonderfully written book, sad and melancholy in places, just sad how Charlie Chaplin good never let go of his upbringing and the ghosts of his past.
But overall, an enjoying read all the same.
March 25, 2025
This is a short biography, hitting all the key points, of Chaplin's life.
You do get the notion that he was somewhat of a genius, and that he knew it, too. From his upbringing in London slums to his debut in vaudeville, he was an outsider. His talent grew, as did his ambition, and of course he set his sights on film.
He becomes the Little Tramp, then a world-famous artist. Then he becomes more troublesome.
A few marriages, a few dalliances with underage girls - and egomania unleashed.
This is the unfortunate part of his legacy - that he wasn't that nice of a person - and was problematic with his intimate practices. It's hard to argue his genius, and impossible to forget the rest.
Ackroyd's writing is unmatched, and he treats his subject with the touch that is deserved.
You do get the notion that he was somewhat of a genius, and that he knew it, too. From his upbringing in London slums to his debut in vaudeville, he was an outsider. His talent grew, as did his ambition, and of course he set his sights on film.
He becomes the Little Tramp, then a world-famous artist. Then he becomes more troublesome.
A few marriages, a few dalliances with underage girls - and egomania unleashed.
This is the unfortunate part of his legacy - that he wasn't that nice of a person - and was problematic with his intimate practices. It's hard to argue his genius, and impossible to forget the rest.
Ackroyd's writing is unmatched, and he treats his subject with the touch that is deserved.
July 9, 2014
Well researched evidence-based material as usual from Peter Ackroyd! Warts and all. This is no fan book but gives many insights from the people who worked with him and also his family.
August 9, 2014
I was quite disappointed by this book. I had expected better from Peter Ackroyd. Didn't learn anything new. Wonder why he wrote it.
July 30, 2017
Discovered this book quite by accident. I remember my grandma talking about his movies, she was born in 1904 passed a good 20 years ago. I knew he was considered an icon but after this quick biographical recount I understand why and how he influenced the film industry. I am glad the book does not sugar coat the shortcomings of this figure. He was both a visionary genius at work and a despot or sadistic man with his family. Though I see how all his characteristics worked together to push through his beginnings from extreme poverty to his unparalleled recognition of the time, I would hate to have been in his close circles in any way.
Not sure if this was the intention of the author but I walk away with the clear sense that after Chaplin amassed such recognition and wealth his biggest motivation became the fear of losing it all if he didn't keep outdoing himself. Seems to me the man's soul would never have been satisfied; he didn't have control of the future and that terrified him.
I am surprised to learn that he died in 1977. I was borne in the 70's and remember the Star Wars craze... Somehow I have a hard time thinking the pioneer of silent films and their biggest star died in the same decade as films such as Star Wars were being produced.
I definitely recommend the book if you have been curious to learn about this influential figure of yesteryear. I am sure there are more detailed works out there, but this is sufficient for my curiosity regarding this iconic individual
Not sure if this was the intention of the author but I walk away with the clear sense that after Chaplin amassed such recognition and wealth his biggest motivation became the fear of losing it all if he didn't keep outdoing himself. Seems to me the man's soul would never have been satisfied; he didn't have control of the future and that terrified him.
I am surprised to learn that he died in 1977. I was borne in the 70's and remember the Star Wars craze... Somehow I have a hard time thinking the pioneer of silent films and their biggest star died in the same decade as films such as Star Wars were being produced.
I definitely recommend the book if you have been curious to learn about this influential figure of yesteryear. I am sure there are more detailed works out there, but this is sufficient for my curiosity regarding this iconic individual
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2019
Recently, I watched Modern Times again for the first time in years and I had forgotten what a genius Chaplin was. Out of curiosity about Chaplin's life (it's been some time since I saw the film with Robert Downey Jr.) I picked up this biography. I chose this book because it's written by one of my all-time favorite biographers, Peter Ackroyd. I love Ackroyd's books. He wrote my favorite biography about Charles Dickens, and his book about London is fabulous.
It was interesting to me to see the parallels between Chaplin and Dickens. Both were struck by tragedy in their early lives, and both became geniuses in their respective fields. Unfortunately, both were cruel to many around them, including their own families. Both had a need for public adulation, and both suffered from depression.
The book is called "A Brief Life" but it does cover the important aspects of Chaplin's life. Ackroyd does spend a lot of time describing the action in the films, which may be helpful for those who haven't seen the films. If you haven't seen any of Chaplin's films, then do so. Chaplin was one of those crazy-talented humans who made art from both joy and sorrow (again, like Dickens). If you're interested in Chaplin's life, Ackroyd's biography will help you understand more about this brilliant, troubled man.
It was interesting to me to see the parallels between Chaplin and Dickens. Both were struck by tragedy in their early lives, and both became geniuses in their respective fields. Unfortunately, both were cruel to many around them, including their own families. Both had a need for public adulation, and both suffered from depression.
The book is called "A Brief Life" but it does cover the important aspects of Chaplin's life. Ackroyd does spend a lot of time describing the action in the films, which may be helpful for those who haven't seen the films. If you haven't seen any of Chaplin's films, then do so. Chaplin was one of those crazy-talented humans who made art from both joy and sorrow (again, like Dickens). If you're interested in Chaplin's life, Ackroyd's biography will help you understand more about this brilliant, troubled man.
May 4, 2024
I listened to this novel on Chirp, and the author did an excellent job reading the book. He was easy to listen to. The novel itself is tragic. I had no idea that Charlie Chaplin was such an egotistical, selfish, mean man. He started his life in England living in poverty. He was even sent to the workhouse by the time he was nine years old. He was married four times, and he was really cruel to each of his wives. He insisted that the wives dote on him, and he made at least one wife have abortions because he did not want children. He ended up having a boatload of children. He was not a good father; in fact, he was also very stern and indifferent to the his children.
Charlie moved to California when in his 20s. He became the most popular actor in the world. He lived in the times of b&w silent films. He was a wonderful mime. He then moved into directing his own movies where he had great success. I had no idea that he did so much more than star in silent pictures. I ended up really disliking the man, but I could understand how he became the way he did.
Charlie moved to California when in his 20s. He became the most popular actor in the world. He lived in the times of b&w silent films. He was a wonderful mime. He then moved into directing his own movies where he had great success. I had no idea that he did so much more than star in silent pictures. I ended up really disliking the man, but I could understand how he became the way he did.
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