Scott Eyman, author of "Charlie Chaplin vs. America," dives into the tumultuous life of Charlie Chaplin, exploring press scandals, his alleged communist ties, and the FBI's scrutiny that led to his exile. Eyman reveals how Chaplin's film "The Great Dictator" confronted political challenges and how he navigated personal and legal battles. Film critic Justin Chang shares insights on the buzz around upcoming blockbusters "Wicked" and "Gladiator II," highlighting their connections to cinematic legacies.
Charlie Chaplin faced extensive media scrutiny and government surveillance due to his political views and personal life, impacting his career significantly.
Despite finding peace in Switzerland after his exile, Chaplin's artistic output dwindled, reflecting the absence of the political turbulence that once inspired him.
Deep dives
Charlie Chaplin's Controversial Legacy
Charlie Chaplin's life and career were marked by significant controversy, particularly surrounding his most provocative film, The Great Dictator, which satirized Adolf Hitler. Released during a time when America was largely isolationist, the film faced resistance from Hollywood and government officials alike, all of whom were wary of antagonizing the Nazi regime. However, Chaplin remained resolute in his commitment to the project, spurred on by encouragement from figures like President Franklin Roosevelt. Despite the pushback, Chaplin's unwavering dedication to producing the film highlights his belief in the power of art to address grave political issues.
Impact of Government Surveillance
Following the release of The Great Dictator and amidst allegations of his communist affiliations, Chaplin became the subject of intense government surveillance, notably by the FBI. Over nearly a decade, the FBI compiled a substantial dossier on him, documenting various aspects of his activities and associations. The investigation was fueled by the red scare atmosphere of the time and the political climate surrounding high-profile figures in Hollywood. Despite the extensive scrutiny, findings ultimately revealed Chaplin's lack of actual connections to the Communist Party, underscoring the unfounded nature of many of the charges against him.
Banishment from America
In 1952, while promoting his film Limelight in England, Chaplin faced a shocking turn of events when his re-entry permit to the U.S. was revoked, effectively exiling him for the remainder of his life. This ban was largely influenced by political figures and media personalities, including the influential gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, who campaigned against him. The vague reasoning behind the ban cited his supposed anti-American sentiments and past controversies, despite Chaplin never having been convicted of a crime. His refusal to challenge the decision stemmed from a deep sense of betrayal by a country he had significantly contributed to as an artist.
Personal Life and Artistic Decline
Following his exile, Chaplin settled in Switzerland, where he enjoyed a stable family life with his wife and children. However, this peaceful environment marked a decline in his artistic output, with his later films receiving less critical acclaim compared to his earlier works. Many attribute this decline to the lack of the tumultuous and provocative backdrop that had fueled his creativity in Hollywood. While he found solace in Switzerland, the disconnection from the societal and political issues he once addressed in his films seemed to diminish his artistic drive.
Author Scott Eyman explains how silent film actor Charlie Chaplin was smeared in the press, scandalized for his affairs with young women, condemned for his alleged communist ties and banned from returning to the U.S. "At one time or another he was the target of the entire security apparatus of the United States of America," Eyman says. His book is Charlie Chaplin vs. America.
Also, Justin Chang reviews two highly-anticipated blockbusters, Wicked and Gladiator II.