SYD. CHAPLIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 261, 25 January 1928, Page 14

SYD. CHAPLIN

AT MAJESTIC ON FRIDAY Syd. Chaplin, who is probably the best known and cleverest comedian the screen has yet given us, was born in Capetown, South Africa, of theatrical parents. He was educated in London and commenced producing and managing plays at school at the age of 12 years. At 16 he had made his first public appearance, and at 17 went off to sea. \f ter wards he played with his brother Charlie in “Sherlock Holmes,” before Royalty. Then brother Charlie joined Fred Carno’s company of pantomimists and Syd. turned to writing sketches. His first picture success was a three-reel comedy by Triangle, entitled “The Submarine Pirate,” which my many who remember it is still claimed as the most laughable picture for many years. After this he only played minor parts in his brother Charlie’s pictuYes, as he was a financial genius and attended only to Charlie’s business affairs, but the camera lured him again to activity, and his first picture was “Charley’s Aunt,” which is still well remembered throughout the world. Later he impersonated the droll “Old Bill” in “The Better ’Ole,” and this, too, proved a great attraction to the movie public. Sydney Chaplin is one who believes in clean humour. In no scene in any of his comedies has he been anything but a perfect gentleman, and Charles Reisner, his director and producer (who also produced “The Kid,” which made Charley Chaplin such an outstanding artist), says he is a polished gentleman. When our scenario writers may have suggested gags that were the least vulgar, Syd. had had them always deleted from the script or . toned down so as not to offend anyone. He is always most considerate of other people and that, I believe, is the thing which distinguishes the gentleman from the vulgarian. Syd. Chaplin has now accomplished what -he considers the greatest triumph in the picture entitled, “The Missing Link.” The situations give him great scope for his agility and famous acrobatic wprk, for which he is noted. He is supported in this picture by the almost human chimpanzee, “Akka,” and Syd. himself says he never wishes to accomplish such an adventurous story again. To have five or - six lions gamboling over you and chasing you through the dark jungle are situations that call for nerve, and I was indeed pleased when this picture was completed, and delighted that it proved such a huge success. The picture will be released -at the Majestic Theatre on Friday next, and it should attract more than, usual interest.