Grade 5-9-Turk covers the performer's impoverished upbringing in London, the second son of a single mother, a singer. Chaplin learned early on that he had a gift for entertaining people and the book follows his rise from a child clog dancer to a renowned actor and director. The text focuses on his film career and only intersperses information about his personal life when necessary, noting his several marriages and the charges against him concerning Communist affiliations and un-American activity that led to his exile in Switzerland. Totally uncritical, the account simply traces his accomplishments in a somewhat bland, matter-of-fact manner. Black-and-white photos of Chaplin, his movies, and family members are scattered throughout. This is a competent overview. Interested students might also want to examine Alan Schroeder's Charlie Chaplin (Watts, 1997).
Carol Fazioli, formerly at The Brearley School, New York City
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
In information-packed chapters, Turk takes readers effortlessly through the personal and professional life of the brilliant entertainer who called himself a citizen of the world. Chaplin's struggle as a vaudeville performer rivals any Dickensian tale of woe. In time, those personal hardships translated into the blend of pathos and hilarity that distinguished his trademark character, the Tramp. Volatile marriages and political misunderstandings that led to his exile from the U.S. are explained in an evenhanded manner. Even better are Turk's succinct descriptions of Chaplin's film career, including worthwhile tidbits about his creativity as an actor and, more significantly, as a director. Although young readers unfamiliar with Chaplin might require someone to put the book in their hands, this insightful biography will help create a new generation of fans for the comic genius. Roger Leslie
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