The Art of Charlie Chaplin

Traces Chaplin's 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"". This guide frames the biographical details of Chaplin's life within the context of his acting and filmmaking career, placing emphasis on the films Chaplin directed/produced. 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.

The Art of Charlie Chaplin is a plain-language critical survey of a great British artist. John Kimber sets Chaplin in the traditions of Shakespeare, of Dickens and George Eliot's Silas Marner. He enthusiastically argues for a genius in Chaplin that draws strength from theatrical and social traditions older than those of the cinema, using analysis, comparison and subtly chosen detail of movement, setting and sound. This is a book that newly opens up its subject. As the leading film critic and historian of British cinema Charles Barr says in his introduction, 'The Art of Charlie Chaplin cuts through the mass of stale ideas and judgments that have accumulated around the legendary figure of Chaplin.'