Happy 122nd birthday tomorrow to The Tramp!

April 16th is the birthday of Sir Charles "Charlie" Spencer Chaplin (1889 – 1977) was the first world-famous movie star, a respected movie writer, director, editor, producer and composer. He remains one of the most recognizable icons of the silver screen today. He began starring in low budget one-reeler comedies at Keystone Studios in 1914. By the end of the year, he had starred in 35 movies, many of which he directed as well, and was known around the world. By 1916, he would work for the more prestigious Mutual Studios and would be the writer, directer, star, editor, and producer of his own comedy films. In 1919, he co-founded United Artists - one of the major film studios that still operates today. He would continue making entertaining and influential comedies, shifting later to dramatic movies.

He is best known for the character of Charlot or The Tramp, a poor, downtrodden man who nevertheless takes on life with vim and alacrity, defeating the bully/policemen/figure of authority and getting the girl before walking into the sunset.

Today's google doodle silent film piece is a tribute to Chaplin.


(Source: tvtropes.org; photo credits: Standing Chaplin, its-all-for-love.blogspot.com; Closeup Chaplin, nndb.com)