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Sir Charlie

Chaplin, the Funniest Man in the World
by Sid Fleischman
. 268p. 978-0-06189-640-8.
COPY ISBN
The author of last year's Mark Twain biography, The Trouble Begins at 8, here tells the story of the rise, fall, and rebirth of arguably the world's funniest man, Charlie Chaplin. Born into poverty in the slums of South London, Chaplin would grow to become the most popular entertainer of his day, then spend 20 years in exile when his adopted country turned its back on him. Yet, in the final years of his life, he was awarded an honorary Oscar and knighted by the Queen, ending his days as Sir Charles. Even readers well familiar with Chaplin's rags-to-riches story will be energized by Fleischman's enthusiasm for his subject (it was the author's last book). Fun fact: the movie studio built by Chaplin is now the home of Jim Henson's Muppets, and Kermit the Frog stands tall at its entrance, dressed as the Little Tramp.—Angelina Benedetti, "35 Going on 13," BookSmack! 9/16/10
This volume examines the life of Charlie Chaplin, a sad boy who grew up to become the world's greatest comedian. Fleischman's humorous wordplay ("Noise and chaos were Keystone's proof that the studio was putting its best footage forward") makes the energetic narrative come alive. Some archival photographs (more would have been welcome, given the visual nature of Chaplin's talent) accompany the text. Timeline. Bib., ind.
Reviewed by Angelina Benedetti , Sep 16, 2010
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