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My Autobiography

By: Charles Chaplin, David Robinson - introduction
Narrated by: Steve John Shepherd
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

A silent comedy star whose legendary slapstick routines are recognisable to this day, Charles 'Charlie' Chaplin's My Autobiography is an incomparably vivid account of the life of one of the greatest filmmakers and comedians, with an introduction by David Robinson

As a child, Charlie Chaplin was awed and inspired by the sight of glamorous vaudeville stars passing his home, and from then on he never lost his ambition to become an actor. Chaplin's film career as the Little Tramp adored by the whole world is the stuff of legend, but this frank autobiography shows another side. Born into a theatrical family, Chaplin's father died of drink while his mother, unable to bear the poverty, suffered from bouts of insanity. From a childhood of grinding poverty in the South London slums, Chaplin found an escape in his early debut on the music hall stage, followed by his lucky break in America, the founding of United Artists with D.W. Griffith and Douglas Fairbanks, the struggle to maintain artistic control over his work, the string of failed marriages and his eventual exile from Hollywood after personal scandals and persecution for his left-wing politics during the McCarthy Era.

Sir Charles 'Charlie' Chaplin (1895-1976) was born in Walworth, London. Best known for his work in silent film, his most famous role was the Little Tramp, a universally recognisable and iconic character who appeared in films such as The Kid (1921), The Gold Rush (1925) and City Lights (1931). His other films include Modern Times (1936), a commentary on the Great Depression, and The Great Dictator (1940), a satirical attack on Hitler and the Nazis.

©1992 Charles Chaplin (P)2022 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

"Tells so much about this curious, difficult man...a wonderfully vivid imagination." (The New York Times)

What listeners say about My Autobiography

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I enjoyed it good book

I enjoyed this story of Charlie Chaplin and the guy who did the audiobook was fantastic too.

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really enjoyed a genius such an interesting read

Charlie's a clearly interesting deep thinker very broad thinker and describes poverty in London he endured as a child

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Thoroughly Enjoyable

Fascinating first hand account from a truly great man. The warmth of his personality shines through. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

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Fascinating

What a fascinating autobiography of Charlie Chaplin, what a great man. I couldn't stop listening to this book, as not one minute of it is uninteresting.

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Superb on every front

The story is gripping from start to finish. Rags to riches. I found it compelling, fascinating and shocking in parts (what was America up to?).

A special shout out to narrator Steve John Shepherd. I don't know how Charlie Chaplin sounded when he spoke but I so hope it was like this. It is a superlative read of one of the most absorbing autobiographies I have purchased.

This title is a gem in Audible's crown - and in my library too.

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brilliant

Nice to hear it in his words, its the only book Ive read I didnt want to end. Kind of makes a mockery of the Downey Junior film which only picked up on the Hollywood stories. Highlighting that politicians and the funding billionaires have learned no one iota.
i will read it again.

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Must read book

Amazing book full of great stories. Glad they have created an audible version as it's a different experience to reading the physical book. I love Charlie Chaplin, he is an inspiration.

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Excellent

Being honest I prefer Laurel and Hardy but I wanted to know more about Chaplin. Born into poverty and having had a lifelong feeling of self doubt it’s amazing he became such a clown. It’s a good book but some of the blacker stuffs been glossed over or completely left out but on saying that the time passed quickly. Well narrated.

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fabulous

Loved to hear Charlie Chaplin life story very enjoyable and a great listen through out

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Fascinating and entertaining

This makes me want to watch all Chaplin movies. I had no idea he was such a great artist and writer. It’s also a wonderful historical document of the 20th century.

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4 people found this helpful