First published in 1964, this is Charlie Chaplin’s rags-to-riches story and a very interesting read, with an enjoyable writing style. It provides a lot of insight into his views, experiences and film-making, although it doesn’t include absolutely everything you might want to know, selectivity being the privilege of an autobiography writer. I haven’t watched any Chaplin films since I was a child, but reading this book certainly made me want to check them out again, armed with new knowledge about their background.

The chapters about his early life are like something out of Dickens. It’s extraordinary that with his disadvantaged background, Chaplin forged an iconic career, writing, producing, editing and starring in his films, plus composing the music. There was also an element of luck. If he had not joined a theatre tour of the United States, he might not have been scouted for silent movies. He writes about what it was like to become so famous and has many anecdotes about the celebrities he hung out with. He met just about everyone worth knowing, from presidents and prime ministers, to composers and artists, film stars and socialites. It was sad to read about how America, which was responsible for his fortunes, later turned against him.

A recommended read for fans of Chaplin, anyone interested in early Hollywood history and those who enjoy a well-written memoir.

This edition published as a Penguin Modern Classic, 2003.