“KING OF MIRTH”

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1921, Page 5

“KING OF MIRTH”

CHARLIE CHAPLIN IN LONDON. TUMULTUOUS RECEPTION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. London, Sept. 10. Charlie Chaplin, the film “star,” has arrived in London. He was accorded tumultuous receptions wherever he appeared. He was accorded a municipal welcome at Southampton, the Mayor saying that the town had welcomed kings, queens and princes, and now it was its privilege to greet the King of Mirth.

After representatives of the cinema industry made speeches, Charlie gave autographs to crowds of admirers and entrained for London. Here the excitement exceeded all expectations. Waterloo station was packed with patrons of pictures of all ages and sexes, and it required strenuous efforts on the part of the mounted and foot police to maintain even a semblance of order, though the platform was kept purposely clear. Charlie’s fellow passengers rushed his saloon and hustled him along the platform through an army of cinema men and journalists. Charlie is a dapper little man with a pale face and a happy smile. He wore a grey coat and a bowler. When be realised the immensity of the crowd beyond the barriers he greeted it with his famous smile and a twirl of his bowler, at which all the world has laughed. As he emerged from the -barriers there was a frantic rush to shake hands. Some women managed to kiss their idol.

At first Charlie was immensely pleased, but was obviously relieved when he was safe in his motor-car, though he was practically flung into the seat as it moved off. Scores tried to mount the car, but the police prevented this. So he made a triumphal progress .along York Road to Westminster Bridge. There was another great crowd outside the Ritz Hotel. As the car drove up there was frantic cheering. The great man stood. Through the din he was heard to say: “Words fail me to express my thanks for this great welcome the people of London have given me.” The body of police trying to keep back the boisterous .admirers was now overpowered. There was a desperate struggle on the steps before the police succeeded in. getting Charlie safely inside the hotel. The crowd continued cheering until Charlie appeared at the first floor window and broke up a -big bunch of carnations, which he threw to the crowd. There was a wild struggle for trophies, then Charlie blew a kiss to the crowd and disappeared. Though he described his welcome as glorious and wonderful the King of Mirth seems disappointed *that there is little prospect of rest during his holiday, if the reception to-day is an indication of the ordeals to be endured throughout the trip.