The name Charlie Chaplin has likely crossed the lips of almost every cinema buff in the world. His famous character, the tramp, is revered as one of the most important icons in cinematic history. Hailing from a poverty-stricken family, Chaplin rose from rags to riches with his talent and persistence eventually rewarding him. He went on to become the highest paid actor of time, starring in classics such as City Lights (1931), The Gold Rush (1925) and Modern Times (1936).
This February, the Irish Film Institute (IFI) brings a season celebrating Charlie Chaplin’s biggest achievements in cinema. Running from February 12th to 27th, “Charlie Chaplin: A Smile and a Tear” will screen his most iconic films. The Kid (1921) will be screened on February 12th. The story follows a tramp who cares for an abandoned child and raises the child as his own – a deeply personal role for Chaplin, who had recently experienced the tragic death of his first child. City Lights (1931) is often regarded as one of his best works: Chaplin plays the tramp who falls deeply in love with a woman who has mistaken him for an affluent man. This will be screened on February 19th.
Chaplin’s illustrious acting career was blighted by struggles in his personal life, however, as well as a spate of scandals that surfaced towards the end of his career. The IFI will also be screening the new documentary The Real Charlie Chaplin on February 18th. The documentary is directed by Peter Middleton, whose most notable work was on Notes on Blindness. The documentary itself heavily features an extensive interview with Chaplin and Life magazine in 1966, as well as previously unseen notes and recordings of his work.
“Charlie Chaplin: A Smile and a Tea” is an excellent opportunity to enjoy one of the standout figures in film history at his very best.
Tickets for the events are available here.
