A SAD COMEDIAN.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5351, 14 November 1928, Page 4

A SAD COMEDIAN.

CHAPLIN MOURNS HIS MOTHER

ONE WOMAN IN HIS LIFE.

Charles Chaplin, the world’s highest paid comedian, and the uncrqwned king of Hollywood, is to-day the saddest man in America.

The death of his mother, Mrs Haanjah Chaplin, who demoted her. life to his welfare, has completely prostrated him.

On inquiry at his home one morning I was told that he had shut himself up in his room and had given strict orders that 'he was not to be disturbed.

Urgent business matters aw*ait his attention. They will have to wait. Thqre was a long processlion of famous, film people come to> offer tjheir condolence. They could <n)jt gain admittance. IN THE WORKHOUSE. When Chaplin was three; years old his mother was touring the British music halls and earning, just enough tq feed him and his brothers. As she grew older she could only obtain; work in the back row of the chorus. Later she had to give up the stage altogetlher. To; kepp her home together Mrs Chaplin scrubbed neighbours’ floors. In cold weather she wrapped Charlie’s feet in rags an|d fitted .them into her own shoes in order that he could toddle to the free meal kitchen fqr a dish of soup. the pair were in thq workhouse together. UNHAPPY MARRIAGES. Once in America, with success at his feet, he brought his mother out tc ; Hollywood. There have been several women in Chaplin’s life, but none; has dominated it as she has.

One of the saddest episodes i.n| his life with Mildred Harris was the death of their, only daughter. It is said he met her later, m'a.r.ried to another man with chubby-faced c.hildren at her skirts. The sight cut him tn the; heart. Later Chaplin met 15-year-old Lita Grey. He married her, and the miseries of his mavriag.e have been proclaimed to the world.

But his mother’s death has altered everything. The; great love of his life 16 dead.