Chrissie's Reviews > My Autobiography

Everyone knows of Charlie Chaplin, the pantomime actor and silent movie star, best known for his funny, naïve and lovable character Little Tramp, attired in black baggy pants, oversized shoes, a bowler hat with a little black mustache adorning his face. Actor, director and producer, he made many of the most popular films of his time. His life was a true rag to riches story. The poverty and workhouse existence of his childhood is told of, as well as the subsequent climb to fame and fortune, his wives, his friends and the deplorable events that occurred when America was drawn into the Second World War. His popularity tumbled. During the Red Scare, with the press out to skin him alive, he was incorrectly accused of being a communist and immorality charges tied to a paternity suit were thrown at him. We learn of his marriage to Oona O’Neill, the daughter of the famed playwright Eugene O’Neill, the birth of his children by Oona and their subsequent domicile in Switzerland.

What makes the book special and way above the ordinary is the depth with which you come to understand Charlie’s psyche. His thoughts, his feelings, his goals and values are made crystal clear. The book does not read as a list of dropped names, although his friends are among the famed. This is because he explains what makes each one unique for him. We see into his head and feel the thumping of his heart. Anger and exasperation is shown too. I came to trust him and believe wholeheartedly in that which he states. I do not think I am naïve one easily convinced.

We read of not only his life and his films but also how he views the art of acting, directing and producing films. He explains his views on art, music, writing and poetry, as well as those practicing these professions. Do the following people, interest you? Winston Churchill, Maynard Keyes, Gandhi, Gertrude Stein, Sir Phillip Sassoon, H.G. Wells, Bernard Shaw, Jean Cocteau. We are served up interesting, unusual tidbits about these individuals and many others. The variety of those spoken of is wide. So many fascinating people he came to know well!

Here follow some short quotes:

“Life is another word for conflict.”

“The saddest thing I can imagine is to get used to luxury.”

“There must be a reason for all this beauty (existing in the world).”

“Simplicity of approach is always best. Personally, I loathe tricky effects.”

“To an artist, the complete freedom to do the unorthodox is most exciting.”

“Empathy cannot be taught.”

Steve John Shepherd narrates the audiobook. I kept thinking it was Charlie himself talking to me ! Words are clearly enunciated, and it was easy to follow. The narration is performed exactly how a book such as this should be. Five stars for the audio narration.

This classic autobiography is Interesting, fascinating and thoroughly convincing! I really, really enjoyed it! Don't miss this book!

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*My Autobiography 5 stars by Charlie Chaplin
*Charlie Chaplin: A Brief Life 4 stars by Peter Ackroyd