Charlie Chaplin and Silent Films: Timeline
The early 1900s presented the world with Innovation and Industrialization, propelling us into the future of the ever- present Era of Information Technology. It was a time of change from the old Victorian lifestyle to a more free flowing and experimental continuance; and during this duration America specifically was at its best in defense, power, wealth and modernization.
As industrialization became increasingly popular in the automotive industry, Charlie Chaplin was revolutionizing the motion picture industry moving us from silent film to the talkies and sound. From these inventions came the graphic effects and computer animated visuals that are seen today in the film industry.
Through the timeline presented here one may grasp knowledge and history of a previous age when conflicts were arising between four of the greatest nations in the world; and all individuals whether at peace or in war wanted a good life and a real good laugh. The film industry and its proponents like Chaplin flashed black and white reality onto a big screen in theatres for millions of audiences to see for the very first time ever. This was a time when sound had just been discovered, and no one even dreamt of the possibility that twenty years later television would become the number one novelty in every American home; and information has transcended time so rapidly, that only two decades after that graphics and sound effects make the moving picture industry the finest business to be in.
Everyone in the world when asked about comedy thinks of the infamous Charlie Chaplin. He was a poor- born Londoner who led an orphaned life after his parents could no longer care for him and worked in vaudeville until he achieved his big break in film in the United States. From then on he was known as one of the "greats" of comedy and silent film in the twentieth century. "The Tramp" as he was nicknamed, could take the bitterness and scandals out of everyday life and make it funny because of the truths in real life.
Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin left the United States to go back to England to renew his visa, but due to affairs in the United States and Britain involving Communist affairs he was not allowed to return. However, while in the States, Chaplin married four times lastly to an Oona O'Neill whom he had eight children with. He was unfairly exiled by his homeland and forced to live his life out in Vevey, Switzerland with his family until his death on Christmas of 1977. Chaplin did return to America one last time since he had left in 1975, to claim an Oscar for a Lifetime Achievement Award that he well deserved. This talented writer, producer, director and actor made ninety-six movies throughout his eighty-eight years.
The little man with the dictator-like mustache and the bowler-hat envisioned a world in chaos with each other and a period of growth in technology that would all too soon become a reality. This English gentleman presents superiority in film, when film had only just begun; and he is still viewed by many as the classic film icon of his era.
Ladies and gentleman I present to you, Mr. Charlie Chaplin.
One portion of the timeline depicts certain events in world history that Charles Chaplin focused on throughout his film career. Chaplin's comedic films raised both subtle and specific questions about these political and social events. The primary focus of this portion of the timeline includes events in Germany, Great Britain, Russia, and the United States during World War I, the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and World War II. The reasons for including the history of these four particular countries are the following:
- Germany was the aggressor in the both world wars, and the home of Hitler's Nazis. Being a convicted anti-Fascist, Chaplin depicted the leadership of Europe's great dictators, specifically Adolph Hitler, in his films. This is exemplified by "The Great Dictator," which he released in 1940.
- Great Britain is the birthplace and home of Chaplin before he relocated to the United States in order to pursue his career as a film-maker. Later, Chaplin moved back to Great Britain where he lived the rest of his life.
- As a Communist country, and a major player in the world wars, Russia's plays a major role in the historical context of Chaplin's films. Although, he maintained that he was not a Communist himself, Chaplin was highly involved in supporting Russia during World War II before U.S. involvement.
- The United States was also a major player in both world wars, and more importantly the scene of Chaplin's depiction of the Great Depression and the Industrial Revolution. Chaplin moved to the United States to follow his dream of becoming successful in the film industry, and although he never became a citizen, considered it his home.
In addition through the associated linkbase, one may find biographies, essays, photos, films and additional general information on the life and times of this classic comedian.
Go to the timeline database for this project, which allows for interactive browsing and searching and is paired with a related database of annotated links to online resources.
