In Search of Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) was probably the most famous comic actor of all
time – and almost certainly therefore Kennington’s most famous resident. He
made his reputation dressed as a tramp, with smudge moustache, frock coat,
bowler hat, cane and outsized shoes in silent films from the mid-1910s, mixing
buffoonery with pathos and eventually combining dialogue with music.
He was born in East Street – site of a still flourishing street market just off the
Walworth Road – to two music hall performers, Charles and Hannah Chaplin.
But Charlie had a rough early life. His parents separated before he was 5
years old. His mother then struggled to make a living - Charlie first appeared
on stage at the age of 5 when his mother was unable to complete her act –
and she had a mental breakdown when he was 9, eventually ending up in an
asylum. Charlie’s father was an alcoholic and, although he became a
successful businessman, eventually owning a number of public houses, he
died when Charlie was 12.
In Search of Charlie Chaplin - Thanks to Bermondseybeat for Donating this Video.
Nice one.
Charlie Chaplin's mum went into Cane Hill Asylum, later Cane Hill Hospital (I think the buildings are still there, but derelict - Google it, and you should find a site with lots of photos of the old buildings) at Coulsdon, Surrey. In the 1891 census, a great great grandfather of mine was an inmate at the asylum, which was then called District London County Lunatic Asylum. He died there not long afterwards.
However, I love Tommy's cheerful presentation in the short video. Is there any more?
Kathy
