Chaplin

Born Charles Spencer Chaplin in South London, during the reign of Queen Victoria, the world's "first international movie star" continues to delight and fascinate audiences today (Milton 1). In particular, Chaplin's invention of a stalwart character that remained his trademark "tramp" touches on deep subconscious elements in the viewer and reflects broader social, psychological, and historical trends. Although he grew up in the slums, Chaplin's mother was a music hall singer who took young Charlie with her to the theater to hear her performances and the other acts in the show. Thus, young Charlie was introduced to the power of performance art. Chaplin also developed an ear for music in this way, listening to as well as observing the theater performances in London to which he was privy. By the time Chaplin was nine years old, he was a multitalented performer who was on his way to America with...
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