For International Romani Day: A New Film About Chaplin’s Romani Origins

This International Romani Day we thought we’d give you a head’s up about a new film that focuses on Charlie Chaplin’s Romani heritage and how it influenced his art. It’s directed by the great comedian’s granddaughter, actress Carmen Chaplin, who interviewed most of the Chaplin children as part of her research; her dad, Michael Chaplin appears in the film, as does the oldest surviving Chaplin child Geraldine. Cousin Aurélia Thierrée (Victoria’s daughter) plays their great-grandmother Hannah Chaplin. A true family affair. The film premiered late last year and has played some European festivals but has not yet made it to American shores. If I know those Chaplins they are angling for a distribution deal befitting cinematic royalty. Either that, or they’re boycotting us, in which case I don’t blame them. Except for the fact that I am dying to see the movie. When I hear more, I’ll let you know. Meantime, a few links for further reading:

On the Romani

On Chaplin’s Background

Finding Aid to the Travalanche Chaplin Section

In Praise of Tramps

On Some Tramp Comedians

Variety’s Announcement of the Film

The Official Chaplin Website

For more on the history of show business,consult No Applause, Just Throw Money: The Book That Made Vaudeville Famous, for more on classic comedy please check out my book: Chain of Fools: Silent Comedy and Its Legacies from Nickelodeons to Youtube.