Who is Charlie Chaplin from Flashback: A Brief History of Film and what is their importance?

Charles Spencer Chaplin (1889-1977) was a screenwriter, producer, and director. By the age of twenty-four, he was already a popular performer, known for portraying an obnoxious drunk..... a character based on his father.

Charlie became part of a vaudeville troupe at a young age, and after achieving success on the stage, he joined Keystone where made a series of comedies. In 1915, he joined Bronco Billy Essanay company. After making fifteen films with them, he signed with Mutual.

Although Chaplin was best known for his comedic timing and stunts, he never lost touch with humanity. He successfully extracted comedy out of harsh, realistic situations. Charlie was a storyteller, and his work influenced filmmaking and audiences for generations.