Charlie Chaplin is one of the most recognizable figures in film history, known for his iconic Little Tramp persona—a character distinguished by a mustache, bowler hat, and walking stick. He brought countless memorable scenes to the screen, such as the blind flower girl seeing him for the first time at the end of “City Lights” and the impassioned speech in “The Great Dictator.” While the world saw him as a comedic genius and a masterful storyteller, his family saw a different side of him away from the limelight. His son, Michael Chaplin, has shared candid reflections on what it was like being the child of such a larger-than-life figure, shedding light on the complexities of their relationship.
Being Charlie Chaplin’s Son
Michael Chaplin is the second of eight children from Charlie’s fourth and final marriage to Oona O’Neil. Growing up in the Chaplin household meant living under the immense shadow of his father’s fame and formidable personality. Michael recalls times when he was genuinely afraid of his father. One of his earliest memories on a film set was during the making of “Limelight,” where Charlie’s authoritative demeanor left a lasting impact on him. Michael remembers his father barking orders through a loudspeaker, an intimidating experience for a young boy.
Despite these daunting moments, Michael also has fond memories of working with his father. He was cast in “A King in New York” at the age of ten, a satire of McCarthyism that turned out to be Charlie’s final leading role. Although he enjoyed the experience, his father did not encourage him to pursue acting. Instead, Charlie emphasized the importance of education, which Michael found challenging. He recalls his father entertaining the family with mime routines and comedic acts, although those talents were more often nurtured in his sisters, Geraldine and Victoria, who were taught to play the piano.
Michael’s relationship with his father was also marked by high expectations and constant comparisons. Teachers would often tell him he would never measure up to his father, a sentiment that deeply hurt him. After Charlie’s death, Michael reassessed their relationship, understanding that his father’s tough nature might have been an attempt to prepare him for the harsh realities of life. Despite any regrets, Michael has always been willing to defend his father, especially during controversial times, such as when Charlie was investigated by the FBI under McCarthyism.
Being Michael
Michael Chaplin struggled for years to carve out his own identity separate from his father’s towering legacy. At sixteen, he ran away to London to be with his girlfriend, an act of rebellion that strained his relationship with Charlie. His attempts to marry Patricia John in Barcelona at eighteen made headlines, as he needed his parents’ permission, which they initially withheld. Despite these challenges, Michael continued to pursue various ambitions, albeit with limited success.
He briefly attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts but felt he had no talent for acting and was too deeply involved in the counterculture movement of the 60s. Michael also explored a career in music, securing a record deal and releasing a song, “I Am What I Am,” though he admits he hadn’t written it and lacked musical talent.
At nineteen, Michael hired ghostwriters to pen a tell-all book, “I Couldn’t Smoke the Grass on My Father’s Lawn,” which led to further estrangement from his father. The book, which Charlie perceived as stereotypical and potentially libelous, caused another rift between them. Despite these turbulent periods, Michael found solace and stability in his marriage to Betaudier Chaplin. Together, they had two children and moved to a goat farm in southwest France in 1978.
Writing A Novel
Now 77, Michael Chaplin is set to release a novel, “A Fallen God,” an achievement he takes great pride in. The inspiration for this book came from his time on the goat farm, and it tells a medieval romance set in the 13th century. Writing this novel was a significant accomplishment for Michael, who struggled with procrastination and self-doubt throughout his life. He attributes his breakthrough to a friend’s advice, which encouraged him to put more of himself into his writing.
In “A Fallen God,” Michael draws from his own experiences and those of his family. The hero, Tristan, embodies traits reminiscent of Charlie’s charismatic and dynamic nature, while King Mark, another character, reflects Michael’s own early life and passive demeanor. The novel symbolizes Michael’s journey from living in his father’s shadow to carving out his own identity.
Reflecting on his achievements, Michael believes his mother would have been proud of his work. While he cannot speak for his father, he hopes Charlie would feel the same. As for the future, Michael is uncertain if he has another book in him, given the twenty years it took to complete his first novel. Nonetheless, he is content with his accomplishment and the peace it has brought him.
Being Charlie’s Other Children or Wife
The Real Charlie Chaplin documentary, released in cinemas and on Amazon Prime, offers a deeper dive into Charlie’s role as a father. Using a combination of home videos, interviews, and other formats, the documentary paints a comprehensive picture of Chaplin. It includes words from four of his children and his last wife, Oona O’Neil, providing a multifaceted view of his life and character.
Michael mentioned that you could never argue with his father and that Charlie “suffocated” those close to him. Jane, another of Charlie’s children, admits she never truly got to know him and wishes she could have had a one-on-one conversation with him. Geraldine notes that he became an entirely different person on stage. The documentary also delves into Charlie’s romantic relationships, highlighting his four marriages and numerous affairs. His controlling nature and controversial actions, such as marrying much younger women, are scrutinized.
In conclusion, Charlie Chaplin’s legacy is multifaceted, encompassing both his genius as a filmmaker and the complexities of his personal life. Through the eyes of his son Michael, we gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the iconic image of The Little Tramp. Michael’s reflections reveal a father who was both inspiring and intimidating, whose larger-than-life persona cast a long shadow over his family. Despite the challenges, Michael found his own path and achieved something he is proud of, illustrating the enduring complexity of Charlie Chaplin’s legacy.
