Charlie chaplin, the silent "little tramp" clown who brought laughter to millions around the world, had the kind of deprived childhood that one would expect to find in a dickens novel. Charles spencer chaplin was born on 16 april 1889 in east street, walworth, london, the son of a music hall singer and his wife. His parents divorced when he was young, with his father providing little to no financial or other support, leaving his mother to support them as best she could. You will learn about:Charlie's birth, place and early slum locations, including workhouses. His parents, poverty, alcoholism, the shame of living off the state. His mother's insanity, her commitment, brother sydney, early steps on stage. Mack sennett, debut movies, a tramp is born, taking cinema by storm. The million-dollar contract, essenay films, disastrous marriages. Meeting oonachaplin, ostracism and away to switzerland. Awards and legacy. Charlie chaplin was one of the most versatile and flexible of all comedians and actors during the beginning of the 20th century. He was unafraid and experimental in his approach. He even experimented with dark humor - a most unusual trend that was imitated by others. Improvisation characterized his silent work, and that tended to be a challenge to his fellow actors. Chaplin was, however, very well-liked among his colleagues as well as respected by them.