Chaplin

Date: 1992
Director: Richard Attenborough
Production Company: Carolco Pictures, Japan Satellite Broadcasting, Canal+

Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Geraldine Chaplin, Paul Rhys, John Thaw, Moira Kelly, Dan Aykroyd, Anthony Hopkins, Penelope Ann Miller, Kevin Kline
Location(s): Buckinghamshire, California, London

Region(s): , ,

Storyline:

A biopic depicting the troubled and controversial life of the master comedy filmmaker.

Additional Information:

Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson

 

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As past events are recalled, a young Charles Chaplin remembers his brother being taken from the workhouse. The courtyard at Blythe House, West Kensington, London W14, discovered by Steve Randall. Blythe House is also seen in 'Allied', 'Afraid of the Dark' and 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'

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On a day seven years later, an older Chaplin returns to his Lambeth home. Looking towards Battle Bridge Road along Cheney Road in London NW1 with the former Imperial Gas Works as the backdrop. The terraced houses are part of a huge set.

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Charles Chaplin (Michael Goorjian) spots a chance for mischief. Looking towards Cheney Road from Battle Bridge Road NW1.

A policeman chases Charlie off after he taunts an old man. The German Gymnasium stands to the extreme left on Cheney Road.

The "German Gymnasium", amongst the re-development that dictates the angle, has recently opened as a restaurant. (RL)

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Charles turns the corner towards the terrace where he lives with his mother. Part set, part real streets in London NW1. The area was used in 'The Ladykillers', 'Backbeat', 'Richard III', 'Nuns on the Run' and 'Shirley Valentine'.

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Children run through the nearby streets. The now redeveloped area around Cheney Road and Battle Bridge Road NW1.

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Charles enters the house to find that his mother is descending into madness. More sets built for the film and included for completeness.

Hannah Chaplin (Geraldine Chaplin) is escorted to the asylum by her son. Cheney Road with the tenements of Weller's Court in the centre background. The building prominent left of centre is the still standing German Gymnasium.

But now standing as a restaurant. (RL)

Sydney Chaplin takes his brother to meet Fred Karno. Yew Tree Walk running from Cliveden House to Cliveden Reach in Buckinghamshire.

A closer view of the route up to Cliveden House taken by Nick Boorman.

Fred Karno's boat approaches the mooring. The Cottage, Cliveden near Taplow.

Taken from the across the Thames by Malcolm Tinnelly.

Sydney Chaplin (Paul Rhys) tells Charles to shut up and be funny. Cliveden Reach with The Cottage standing in the background.

This, advises Nick, is the cottage where Christine Keeler entertained.

Fred Karno (John Thaw) is persuaded to watch Charles perform and gives him a job in the theatre. Cliveden Reach on the Cliveden Estate in Buckinghamshire.

Nick Boorman noticed that there's no longer a pathway along the riverside.

An establishing shot of Covent Garden, where Charles has brought Hetty Kelly. Looking along Grand Avenue towards Charterhouse Street in London's Smithfield Market. The area was seen in 'About a Boy', 'Bellman & True', ‘Seven Days to Noon’, ‘Johnny English’ and ‘Go to Blazes’.

The same location now from Peter.

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Whilst they have a drink together before he leaves for America, Charles Spencer Chaplin (Robert Downey Jr.) asks Hetty Kelly (Moira Kelly) to marry him. Smithfield Market in Holborn EC1.

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A train carries Charlie across the States.

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Charlie arrives in Butte, Montana where he first sees a 'moving picture' show. Highly likely to be a set but included for completeness.

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When offered a job in 'the flickers', the vaudeville performer travels west.

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Charlie Chaplin arrives at the Keystone Studios in Edendale, California where he meets Mack Sennett.

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After appearing in and directing several films, the new movie star arrives at Pasadena railroad station.

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Charlie walks along the train to find his brother, Syd.

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Sydney and his wife, Minnie (Francesca Buller), are driven from the station by Charlie in his new car.

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The camera follows as the car turns to head into town.

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The three arrive in town where Charlie points out a cinema showing his latest film.

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It's now 1918 and Charlie is driven to his studios on La Brea Avenue in Hollywood. This appears to be a mock up surrounded by trees and fields.

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The car leaves the main road and enters the studio. The premises on North La Brea Avenue are currently owned by The Jim Henson Company.

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Moving forward to 1963, biographer George Hayden (Anthony Hopkins) walks with an elderley Chaplin at his Swiss home.

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Sydney arrives to wake Charlie before they skip town to avoid the latest film being claimed as an asset in divorce proceedings.

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Charlie and his brother arrive in Salt Lake City to finish cutting the film.

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The police arrive and search the hotel where the editing crew are working.

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Charlie escapes dressed as a woman.

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When they're back in Hollywood, Sydney helps his mother as Charlie walks towards them.

When Charlie arrives back in England in 1921, he is greeted by his fans. St Pancras Station, Euston Road, London NW1.

A difficult shot to recreate now that there's a hole where the platform once stood, but Peter gave it a try.

The Station Master (Benjamin Whitrow) greets the world famous film star.

Peter took this shot looking towards the new Midland Main Line platforms.

Police hold back the crowds as children come forward for autographs.

A similar view by Peter.

A band strikes up as the fans cheer. London's St Pancras Station in NW1.

Peter took the best possible comparison at the redesigned station.

Charlie walks through Covent Garden. Grand Avenue in Smithfield Market from West Smithfield EC1.

The same location now by Peter.

The corner of Long Lane and Grand Avenue EC1.

A brighter view of the same location now by Peter.

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After looking for a quiet drink but being verbally attacked for not fighting in the war, Charlie leaves a pub and goes back to the street.

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As he walks through the snow, Charlie meets a young fan.

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In Washington D.C., J. Edgar Hoover investigates Charlie Chaplin and his perceived anti-American activities.

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Chaplin tells George about Lita Grey, his second wife.

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The depression of the 1930s is discussed.

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In the middle of the night, Joan Barry (Nancy Travis) arrives drunk at Charlie's house.

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The actress shouts up at Charlie. There were many sets built for this film, and this may another of them.

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A car pulls up as Charlie finishes a game of tennis with Frank Hooper (Peter Crook) at his Beverley Hills home.

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Frank goes inside as Oona O'Neill, the future Mrs Chaplin, approaches.

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Sydney arrives at the studio looking for Charlie.

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On the verge of a scandal, Syd tells his brother that the pregnant Joan Barry will settle out of court.

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In the era of the McCarthy hearings, Charlie Chaplin leaves the USA. New York Harbour, New York.

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Back in 'modern' Switzerland, Charlie's biographer continue his questioning.

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George Hayden leaves after asking his last question.

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Almost ten years later, Charlie returns to the United States.

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A limo carrying Charlie stops outside the Chaplin Studios before continuing to the 44th annual Academy Awards. North La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, California, United States.