This thorough critical study of Chaplin’s films traces his acting career chronologically, from his initial appearance in 1914’s Making a Living to his final starring role in 1957’s A King in New York. Emphasizing Chaplin’s technique and the steady evolution of his Tramp character, the author frames the biographical details of Chaplin’s life within the context of his acting and filmmaking career, giving special attention to the films Chaplin directed/produced.

Singer, songwriter and artist Kyp Harness is the author of The Art of Laurel and Hardy (2006) and lives in Toronto, Canada.

Kyp Harness
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 228
Bibliographic Info: filmography, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2008
pISBN: 978-0-7864-3193-9
eISBN: 978-1-4766-0842-6
Imprint: McFarland

Preface      1

1. The Tramp      3

2. Keystone      9

3. Essanay      39

4. Mutual      58

5. First National: A Dog’s Life, Shoulder Arms, Sunnyside, A Day’s Pleasure      84

6. The Kid      94

7. First National: The Idle Class, Payday, The Pilgrim      101

8. A Woman of Paris      109

9. The Gold Rush      117

10. The Circus      128

11. City Lights      136

12. Modern Times      148

13. The Great Dictator      160

14. Monsieur Verdoux      175

15. Limelight      187

16. The King in Exile      197

Filmography      205

Chapter Notes      213

Bibliography      217

Index      219

“a fresh description of Chaplin’s amazing films. Recommended”—Choice.