Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin is often considered the greatest filmmaker of all-time. While that may remain debatable, it is too clear that he is one of, if not the number one film comedian of all time. His best known and most performed character is the “little tramp.” Famous for his signature appearance, specifically the over-sized pants, undersized jacket and that classic mustache, the tramp typically deals with angry policemen, vicious criminals, bumbling drunks, and always those pretty girls. Chaplin’s approach to filmmaking developed over time to eventually include his views on issues including class distinction and extreme poverty. He even took on Adolf Hitler in his 1940 classic, The Great Dictator, in which he portrayed Hynkel the dictator of Tomainia, and a Jewish Barber. Chaplin’s views found in his films, including a critique of the U.S immigration system, were deemed “Un-American”, and he was barred re-entry into the United States upon returning from Europe. Fortunately, he was finally recognized with distinction at the Academy Awards in 1972 for "the incalculable effect he has had in making motion pictures the art form of this century".