Preview
  • Charlie Chaplin

  • A Brief Life
  • By: Peter Ackroyd
  • Narrated by: Ralph Lister
  • Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (24 ratings)

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Charlie Chaplin

By: Peter Ackroyd
Narrated by: Ralph Lister
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Publisher's summary

A brief yet definitive new biography of one of film's greatest legends, perfect for listeners who want to know more about the iconic star but who don't want to commit to a lengthy work.

He was the very first icon of the silver screen and is one of the most recognizable of Hollywood faces, even 100 years after his first film. But what of the man behind the moustache? Peter Ackroyd's biography turns the spotlight on Chaplin's life as well as his work, from his humble theatrical beginnings in music halls to winning an honorary Academy Award. Everything is here, from the glamor of his golden age to the murky scandals of the 1940s and eventual exile to Switzerland. There are charming anecdotes along the way: playing the violin in a New York hotel room to mask the sound of Stan Laurel frying pork chops and long Hollywood lunches with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. This masterful, brief biography offers fresh revelations about one of the most familiar faces of the last century and brings the Little Tramp vividly to life.

©2014 Peter Ackroyd (P)2014 Blackstone Audio
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What listeners say about Charlie Chaplin

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    3 out of 5 stars
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This Long Time Chaplin Fan Wanted More

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. While the title says a brief life, Chaplin's life was anything but brief & his contribution to cinematic art is overwhelming.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charlie & Sid - because they made cinema history together. I also like that the problems with Charlie's two eldest sons weren't glossed over.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

He didn't sound like he "LOVED" the topic of Chaplin.

Did Charlie Chaplin inspire you to do anything?

Yes. Over the last 16 years I've taken my son to every local showing of Chaplin's films. And you know what? Now he asks me. We love Chaplin!!!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very interesting

very interesting account, but gives the impression the author was not a personal fan of Chaplin. Some parts felt almost judgemental, especially about Chaplin's film work. You can almost hear the author whispering "overrated". Overall, interesting and factual but some of the tone of the author caught me off guard.

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