The Early Years of Charlie Chaplin: Final Shorts and First Features

Charlie Chaplin's tenure with First National studios has been largely neglected, even though it was during this period that he built and occupied his own studio, attempted and succeeded in filming a comedy feature (The Kid), and helped to set up United Artists. This book will discuss the transitional periods just before and after the First National contract, as well as the all-important period satisfying it, with archival evidence providing most of the support for the book's assertions. Rare photos will illustrate the story.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Charlie Chaplin's career has been a subject of extensive analysis, critique, and examination. Numerous book-length studies have explored various aspects of his life, including his early career in music halls, his time at Keystone Studios and Mutual Studios, and his tenure with First National studios. However, his time with First National studios, despite its significant importance, has received relatively less attention. During this contractual period, Chaplin ventured into owning his studio, attempted and succeeded in filming a comedy feature (The Kid), and played a crucial role in establishing United Artists, an organization dedicated to safeguarding the salaries and creative freedom of actors in Hollywood.

This period in Chaplin's story is particularly intriguing as it encompasses landmark moments alongside personal experiences such as his first marriage and divorce, the loss of his first child, his close friendship with French silent film comedian Max Linder, the onset of World War I, and the challenges he faced during this time, including his role in the war. Additionally, Chaplin encountered his first creative blockage, which threatened his future career. This book aims to delve into the transitional periods preceding and following Chaplin's First National contract, as well as the critical period that fulfilled it.

Archival evidence serves as the foundation for the book's assertions, drawn primarily from the Chaplin archive (owned by Roy Export and digitized by Cineteca di Bologna, Italy) and the personal archives of other individuals or institutions discussed. Rare photographs will complement the narrative, providing visual insights into Chaplin's life and career.

In conclusion, Charlie Chaplin's career has been extensively studied, but his time with First National studios has been somewhat overlooked. This book seeks to rectify that by examining the significant events and experiences during this period, shedding light on Chaplin's artistic growth, personal challenges, and contributions to the film industry. Through archival research and rare photographs, this book aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging account of Chaplin's remarkable life and career.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526780720