Charlie Chaplin & Mann Chinese Theatre

Update Link: Just saw this in USA Today about the Face Lift starting to happen in Hollywood. I like places that have character, so I hope the luxury condos and high end shops don't totally take over. Most American towns have too much of that already.

While I was in Hollywood, I spent sometime at the Mann Chinese Theatre. This is the theatre Sid Grauman started as 'Grauman's Chinese Theatre' and in 1928 premiered Charlie Chaplin's film 'The Circus'.

Sid first met Chaplin in San Francisco. Sid and his father owned 'The Empress Theatre', when Chaplin was performing with Karno during his America Tour. Sid was a huge fan of Chaplin's and became a longtime friend.


A tradition started at the Grauman's Chinese of stars placing their hand and feet in cement and signing it. Many stars of Chaplin's era are there, but not Chaplin's. Sadly, it was removed because people defaced it because of a few people believing Charlie was communist. (checkout this BBC link for Geraldine's words on Chaplin)


Now the story is that Chaplin's original cement piece is no longer in Hollywood, but the Jim Henson Studio, who owns Chaplin's studio, plan to have a copy placed in Chaplin's old studio.

Here is the Brief Glimpse of one of Sid's 'The Circus' ad...

Paul Merton's Silent Clowns - BBC FOUR

Also I have heard the four-part series called 'Paul Merton's Silent Clowns', that started May 25th, is 'really good'. If available, watch BBC Four for the next program in the series.

Buster Keaton started the series on May 25th, and can be seen again May 28th. Check the BBC Four website for schedule. (Charlie Chaplin is scheduled for June 1st and will be repeat on June 4th.)

Chaplin Library Updated - May 26th

As work continues on the Edna Purviance video for Cinecon, I and Dominique have updated the latest page of The Chaplin Library. More update news to come.

CHAPLIN CD WINNER: SHELLEY FINKE

CONGRATULATIONS!
WINNER OF THE CHARLIE CHAPLIN ESSENTIAL FILM MUSIC COLLECTION IS:
SHELLEY FINKE
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Special thanks to everyone who entered from around the world!

CINECON 2006 HOLLYWOOD - EDNA PURVIANCE

Edna Purviance
"The Angel from Nevada"
Featuring Lita Hill, Edna's Grand Niece
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - LABOR DAY WEEKEND
September 2, 2006 - 11:30 AM
Renaissance Hotel - Third Floor
Cinecon 42 - Film Festival

Created by Linda Wada, with documentary on Edna Purviance
from the ednapurviance.org Research File

First video documentary on Edna Purviance with never before seen photos of Edna Purviance, Charlie Chaplin, images from Edna's lost film (The Sea Gull), Edna's French film: Education of the Prince, a new theory on how Chaplin found Edna and her later years as told by her grand niece, Lita Hill, who knew Edna for over 20 years. This includes Edna's time with her family and rare images from her personal life, including her marriage to Jack Squire.

About 56 minutes which includes a special 10 minute silent section with music.

Cinecon will hold the showing on the third floor where the festival events are held at the Renaissance. Contact Cinecon about day passes or five day passes.


MORE INFORMATION

Last Day of Contest Entries!

Monday is the last day for contest entries! I am reading lots of people crossing their fingers, so the very best luck to all of you! I will not be drawing the winner, but will select a person to do so.
Good luck to everyone who have entered!!! Drawing entries close at midnight Monday May 15th!

Charlie Chaplin - Featured on Merton's Silent Clowns

UK CHAPLIN FANS - Paul Merton will host a four-part series on BBC Four called 'Paul Merton's Silent Clowns'. The series will feature Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd and Laurel and Hardy. The series starts May 25th. Check your listings for more details.

Entries for the Music CD ends May 15th...

Just a little reminder that entries for the Chaplin Music CD ends midnight on the night of May 15th. I will post the winner on Edna's site Friday May 19th. If you have entered, watch your email.

I have been very busy working on the book during all my free moments and have gotten lots done in the last couple of months. Also have a few other things happening with Edna that are in the works. So new things are coming. Just loads to do. Thanks for visiting! More coming soon!

Original Charlie Chaplin Music Recordings

There are many fans who like to have the original Chaplin music recordings over the re-makes. One of the latest ones available that came out late in 2005 is called 'City Lights'.

This remastered collection is a bit miss titled, because it contents some City Lights but also selections from 'The Gold Rush', 'Modern Times', 'The Circus' and a couple of selections from 'The Great Dictator'. I have not personally heard this CD, so I don't know the quality, but another one available for fans looking for original recordings. Check Edna's Chaplin Music Guide for more information.

Charlie Chaplin - The Floorwalker

Silents Under the Stars
Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 7:30PM Pacific
Paramount Ranch National Park - All Star Comedy Night with:

• Our Gang (The Fourth Alarm)
• Laurel & Hardy (Should Married Men Go Home)
• Harold Lloyd (Now or Never)
• Charlie Chaplin (The Floorwalker)