Chaplin, Charlie. (1889-1977). Signed Letter and Signed Photograph. A remarkable pair of signed items from the very young star, sent to an Australian fan in 1918. Typed letter (1 page), is dated September 23, 1918 on letterhead of Charlie Chaplin Studios. In full: "Dear Miss Moore: It was certainly very nice of you to write and tell me of your interest in my films, and I deeply appreciate the fact that you think them worth seeing six of seven times. It is always a pleasure to receive a sincere, friendly letter such as yours, and it has been a pleasure to me to read it. My new release is entitled 'Shoulder Arms' and I hope you will like it even better than 'A Dog's Life.' In accordance with your request, I am enclosing a photograph of myself. With best wishes, and many thanks for your interest, I am, Yours sincerely, Charlie Chaplin [signed in black fountain pen ink]." Sold together with the original enclosed photograph which Chaplin has also boldly signed. Letter with usual folds (one heavy vertical crease), photograph with large diagonal crease and moderate edgewear. Signed material of this kind from the early years of Chaplin's storied career is uncommon and it is unusual to find an original "enclosed" photograph which has remained with a letter. Also including a small collection of 1940's newspaper clippings.
"A Dog's Life" (1918) is a silent film written, produced and directed by Chaplin and was his first film for First National Films. "Shoulder Arms" was Chaplin's second film for First National Pictures, a silent comedy set in France during World War I, also featuring Sydney Chaplin, Chaplin's brother. Chaplin's shortest feature film, it was also his most popular film, critically and commercially, up to that point. The New York Times review of October 21, 1918 reported: "'The fool's funny,' was the chuckling observation of one of those who saw Charlie Chaplin's new film, Shoulder Arms, at the Strand yesterday — and, apparently, that's the way everybody felt. There have been learned discussions as to whether Chaplin's comedy is low or high, artistic or crude, but no one can deny that when he impersonates a screen fool he is funny. Most of those who go to find fault with him remain to laugh. They may still find fault, but they will keep on laughing."
"A Dog's Life" (1918) is a silent film written, produced and directed by Chaplin and was his first film for First National Films. "Shoulder Arms" was Chaplin's second film for First National Pictures, a silent comedy set in France during World War I, also featuring Sydney Chaplin, Chaplin's brother. Chaplin's shortest feature film, it was also his most popular film, critically and commercially, up to that point. The New York Times review of October 21, 1918 reported: "'The fool's funny,' was the chuckling observation of one of those who saw Charlie Chaplin's new film, Shoulder Arms, at the Strand yesterday — and, apparently, that's the way everybody felt. There have been learned discussions as to whether Chaplin's comedy is low or high, artistic or crude, but no one can deny that when he impersonates a screen fool he is funny. Most of those who go to find fault with him remain to laugh. They may still find fault, but they will keep on laughing."
Chaplin, Charlie. (1889-1977). Signed Letter and Signed Photograph. A remarkable pair of signed items from the very young star, sent to an Australian fan in 1918. Typed letter (1 page), is dated September 23, 1918 on letterhead of Charlie Chaplin Studios. In full: "Dear Miss Moore: It was certainly very nice of you to write and tell me of your interest in my films, and I deeply appreciate the fact that you think them worth seeing six of seven times. It is always a pleasure to receive a sincere, friendly letter such as yours, and it has been a pleasure to me to read it. My new release is entitled 'Shoulder Arms' and I hope you will like it even better than 'A Dog's Life.' In accordance with your request, I am enclosing a photograph of myself. With best wishes, and many thanks for your interest, I am, Yours sincerely, Charlie Chaplin [signed in black fountain pen ink]." Sold together with the original enclosed photograph which Chaplin has also boldly signed. Letter with usual folds (one heavy vertical crease), photograph with large diagonal crease and moderate edgewear. Signed material of this kind from the early years of Chaplin's storied career is uncommon and it is unusual to find an original "enclosed" photograph which has remained with a letter. Also including a small collection of 1940's newspaper clippings.
"A Dog's Life" (1918) is a silent film written, produced and directed by Chaplin and was his first film for First National Films. "Shoulder Arms" was Chaplin's second film for First National Pictures, a silent comedy set in France during World War I, also featuring Sydney Chaplin, Chaplin's brother. Chaplin's shortest feature film, it was also his most popular film, critically and commercially, up to that point. The New York Times review of October 21, 1918 reported: "'The fool's funny,' was the chuckling observation of one of those who saw Charlie Chaplin's new film, Shoulder Arms, at the Strand yesterday — and, apparently, that's the way everybody felt. There have been learned discussions as to whether Chaplin's comedy is low or high, artistic or crude, but no one can deny that when he impersonates a screen fool he is funny. Most of those who go to find fault with him remain to laugh. They may still find fault, but they will keep on laughing."
"A Dog's Life" (1918) is a silent film written, produced and directed by Chaplin and was his first film for First National Films. "Shoulder Arms" was Chaplin's second film for First National Pictures, a silent comedy set in France during World War I, also featuring Sydney Chaplin, Chaplin's brother. Chaplin's shortest feature film, it was also his most popular film, critically and commercially, up to that point. The New York Times review of October 21, 1918 reported: "'The fool's funny,' was the chuckling observation of one of those who saw Charlie Chaplin's new film, Shoulder Arms, at the Strand yesterday — and, apparently, that's the way everybody felt. There have been learned discussions as to whether Chaplin's comedy is low or high, artistic or crude, but no one can deny that when he impersonates a screen fool he is funny. Most of those who go to find fault with him remain to laugh. They may still find fault, but they will keep on laughing."