Peter Ackroyd. Charlie Chaplin

For a hundred years, Charlie Chaplin's films have delighted audiences and critics alike. During this time, thousands of other stars have risen and faded, but he remains a public favorite. Peter Ackroyd's biography of the great actor reveals the secret to Chaplin's incredible popularity. It was his immense acting skills, his impeccable command of the comic, his ability to blend comedy with tragedy, and, most importantly, his love for people, visibly embodied in his portrayal of a small, beggarly man with a big heart and kind, sad eyes.