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ting life both in his films and behind the camera. He is most

recognized as an icon of the silent film era, often associated
with his popular character, the Little Tramp; the man with the

toothbrush mustache, bowler hat, bamboo cane, and a funny

walk.

Charles Spencer Chaplin was born in Walworth, London, En-
gland on April 16, 1889, to Hannah Harriet Pedlingham (Hill)

and Charles Chaplin, both music hall performers, who were

married on June 22, 1885. After Charles Sr. separated from

Hannah to perform in New York City, Hannah then tried to re-

surrect her stage career. Unfortunately, her singing voice had

a tendency to break at unexpected moments. When this hap-

pened, the stage manager spotted young Charlie standing in
the wings and led him on stage, where five-year-old Charlie

began to sing a popular tune. Charlie and his half-

brother, Syd Chaplin spent their lives in and out of charity

homes and workhouses between their mother's bouts of in-

sanity. Hannah was committed to Cane Hill Asylum in May
1903 and lived there until 1921, when Chaplin moved her to

California.

SCANDALS

An scandal occurred when Chaplin briefly dated 22 year-old

Joan Barry. However, Chaplin's relationship with Barry came

to an end in 1942, after a series of harassing actions from

her. In May 1943, Barry returned to inform Chaplin that she

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