Chaplin: Spirit of the Tramp + Q&A

The UK premiere of a new documentary by Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter Carmen, exploring the legendary comedian’s early life.

This project was sparked by the discovery of a letter from a family friend which Chaplin kept locked away amongst his private papers, informing him that he was born not in the East End of London but in a caravan in Black Patch Park, Smethwick.

So begins a journey of discovery by Chaplin’s son Michael as he looks to explore how roots in Romany culture shaped the director’s comedy and his sensibility. With contributions from a number of other family members it’s also a candid reflection on the oddness of growing up as a Chaplin, with a father who had made the journey from abject poverty to become the most famous man in the world.

Given that the Midlands was the catalyst for the film, this premiere is a homecoming event and we are delighted to welcome Carmen Chaplin to the city for the first UK screening of Spirit of the Tramp.