The King of Black and White

You have to love to movies. Especially ones with rich, fulfilling history. Today, consider Charlie Chaplin, who is arguably one of the greatest director/writer/actor's ever. 

Chaplin was born in London in 1889. He and his brother learned to fend for themselves after his mother and father deserted the family. They found themselves drawn to the stage because of their inherited natural ability. 

As he grew up, Chaplin moved over to comedy and eventually began working in the United States in 1910 with the Fred Karno Repertoire Company. When his Vaudeville contract ended in November 1913, he joined Mack Sennett and the Keystone Film Company. He was originally paid $150 a week, but his popularity opened new negotiations. When this contract ended in 1917, he decided to become an independent producer. His plant was placed in Hollywood at La Brea Avenue.

From 1913 to 1921, Charlie Chaplin starred in somewhere around 70 shorts/movies. Most of them he wrote and directed, although he was not credited in many. Some of his movies include:

• The Kid in 1921
• The Idle Class in 1921, 
• A Day's Pleasure in 1919,  
• Shoulder Arms in 1918, 
• The Bond in 1918, 
• The Immigrant in 1917, 
• The Derelict in 1916,
• One A.M. in 1916, 
• The Bank in 1915, 
• His New Job in 1914, 
• Getting Acquainted in 1914, 
• A Thief Catcher in 1914,
• And Making a Living in 1914.

Chaplin's films/shorts were done in black and white with no sound. He deals mostly with comedy that sometimes have very dark undertones. The framing of his shots can be somewhat basic, but are always ascetically pleasing.

Although the best things about his movies are Chaplin himself, his facial expressions make the cinema funny. Whatever he feels the audience is sure to feel too.

He also loved to include men with mustaches, such as his own character The Tramp. This character has a goofy hat, too-big shoes, and a handsome looking mustache. The Tramp appears in many of Chaplin's films and is played by Chaplin himself.

Even if you have never seen Charlie Chaplin before, take the time to watch one. You won't regret it!

More information can be found here and here!

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