United States

George Bernard Shaw called him the one true genius produced by Hollywood: CHARLIE CHAPLIN. Millions laughed at the little Tramp in the baggy suit. From his silent days we see classic archive films showing the development of the clown from Mack Sennett to Essanay and later his Mutual comedies. Also featured are many of his famous co-stars - Mabel Normand, Edna Purviance, Mack Swain, Ben Turpin, Chester Conklin, Marie Dressler and Fatty Arbuckle. Rare shots include Chaplin with his Hollywood room-mate and understudy Arthur Stanley Jefferson (later to be known as Stan Laurel); as a 16-year-old youth in an English music-hall act called Casey's Court Circus; and with the Fred Karno comedy troupe heading for America after his poverty-stricken London childhood. The narration, a tribute to Chaplin's inspired talent for comedy, is spoken by Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. The finest pantomime, the deepest emotion, richest poetry and a rare gift for creating universal laughter gained him world-wide fame and fortune. Readily identifiable as Mr. Everyman, all add up to the supreme accolade awarded to Charlie Chaplin as "THE FUNNIEST MAN IN THE WORLD".