Customer Reviews

Chaplin (The Movie makers)

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If you're a Chaplin fan you must buy this book. Clearly the author wasn't trying to write a lofty academic tome, nor was he prepared to fob-off the project with flimsy research. In the end, what he came up with was an ideal balance - a (yes),"solid" and concise yet easy to read and entertaining little book. Free from tedious, over intellectualized and pretentious analysis of the great man's films (something which irritated Chaplin himself), Mr Gifford has a pleasing and welcoming writing style. Some other film historians would do well to study the highly efficient way in which he summarizes movie plots.

The straightforward presentation of facts, figures and dates is complimented throughout by the author's personal observations, all of which prove to be relevant, perceptive and generally fair (although I might, possibly, disagree with a couple of his opinions. Then again, perhaps, I just don't want to admit that Mr Gifford is, in fact, right and I'm wrong. It does happen!).

A fascinating story well told and a fine example of highly accessible and reader friendly film history.