Comprehensive and reverential, film historian Richard Schickel's workmanlike documentary about the groundbreaking silent-movie comedian is built around the rather obvious idea that Chaplin (1889-1977) was driven by lust for the limelight (what performer isn't?), but delivers the facts and illustrates the work with a generous selection of well-chosen clips. Born in London's poverty stricken East End, Chaplin was the son of music-hall performers and first appeared on stage at age 5. His high-strung mother suffered a nervous breakdown, his alcoholic father abandoned the family and little Charlie spent time in a workhouse. As a teenager, he toured with a vaudeville troup...
Released:
2003
Rated:
NR
Length:
133 mins