Fresh Air: The Exile Of Charlie Chaplin Hosted by Terry Gross, NPR | Released on November 22, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Exile Of Charlie Chaplin," host Terry Gross engages in a profound conversation with acclaimed author Scott Eiman. Eiman delves into the tumultuous and often controversial life of Charlie Chaplin, exploring the intersection of art, personal life, and politics that ultimately led to Chaplin's exile from the United States. Drawing from his book, Charlie Chaplin vs When Art, Sex and Politics Collided, Eiman provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges Chaplin faced beyond his legendary film career.

The Great Dictator and Political Controversy

[01:25] Terry Gross: "Scott Eiman, welcome to FRESH air. I found this book really interesting. I didn't realize how controversial Chaplin was and how many different agencies had investigated him..."

Chaplin's 1940 film, "The Great Dictator," stands out not only as a cinematic masterpiece but also as a bold political statement. Eiman explains that Chaplin embarked on this project during a period when America was staunchly isolationist, with little support from Hollywood or governmental bodies. Despite significant opposition, including threats from Nazi representatives and skepticism from studio executives, Chaplin remained steadfast in his vision.

[02:58] Scott Eiman: "Chaplin was totally committed, but nobody wanted that film made... Chaplin was going to go ahead and make the film come hell or high water."

This unwavering commitment showcased Chaplin's dedication to using his platform to challenge prevailing political sentiments and advocate against fascism, aligning with the early support from figures like President Franklin Roosevelt.

FBI Surveillance and the Red Scare

Following the release of "The Great Dictator," Chaplin became a target of intense scrutiny. Eiman highlights the extent of government surveillance:

[08:32] Scott Eiman: "At one time or another, he was the target of the entire security apparatus of the United States of America... They would bug his phones... set up perimeters outside of his house..."

Despite having no concrete evidence linking him to communism, Chaplin was relentlessly monitored by agencies like the FBI. A staggering 1900-page FBI file detailed various aspects of his life, reflecting the era's paranoia and the broad-reaching implications of the Red Scare.

Sexual Allegations and the Paternity Suit

Chaplin's personal life further complicated his public image. His relationships with much younger women sparked significant controversy, culminating in a high-profile paternity suit.

[15:54] Scott Eiman: "He was going to trial in the paternity suit involving Joan Berry... It seemed to confirm to the public at large that he was what the prosecution said he was."

Despite blood tests proving he was not the father, the jury convicted Chaplin, influenced by his public persona and past allegations rather than factual evidence. This not only intensified his vilification but also reinforced the media's negative portrayal of him as a morally questionable figure.

[17:24] Scott Eiman: "Hedda Hopper loathed Chaplin for reasons both political and sexual... She began flooding the press with interviews about how she'd been used and cast aside by Charlie Chaplin."

Hedda Hopper, a powerful gossip columnist, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the smear campaign against Chaplin, leveraging her influence to shape public opinion against him.

Exile from the United States

In 1952, Chaplin's refusal to adhere to the prevailing anti-communist sentiment culminated in his exile from the U.S. when his reentry permit was revoked.

[24:21] Scott Eiman: "The reasons were vague... they would have had to let him back into the country because he'd never been convicted of a crime."

Despite having no legal grounds for his exclusion, Chaplin chose not to contest the ban, driven by a profound sense of betrayal and exhaustion from years of relentless persecution. This period marked the end of his active involvement in Hollywood, leading him to settle permanently in Switzerland.

[26:38] Terry Gross: "Why didn't he ever become an American citizen?"

[25:45] Scott Eiman: "Because one of his core beliefs was that nationalism was a lethal disease... He considered himself a citizen of the world."

Chaplin's philosophical stance against nationalism further alienated him from the U.S., preventing him from seeking citizenship and solidifying his status as an outsider in a country he had significantly shaped through his art.

Impact on Chaplin's Life and Legacy

Chaplin's exile had a profound impact on both his personal life and his artistic output. While he enjoyed a peaceful home life in Switzerland with his wife Una and their children, his creative fervor waned.

[33:14] Terry Gross: "He moves to Switzerland... you say it ruined him as an artist, how the two films he made after were grossly inferior?"

Eiman attributes this decline to a combination of personal turmoil and isolation from the dynamic cultural environment of the U.S. The lack of inspiration and the lingering pain from years of harassment reflected in his later works.

However, Chaplin's legacy endured. [37:05] Scott Eiman: "He came back to get his Honorary Oscar in 1972... it was a perfect closing of a circle."

His return to the U.S. to receive an honorary Oscar symbolized a reconciliation with his homeland and a recognition of his unparalleled contributions to cinema, despite the earlier animosity.

Conclusion

Scott Eiman's exploration of Charlie Chaplin's life paints a picture of a man who was as much a victim of his time's socio-political upheavals as he was a maverick artist pushing the boundaries of cinema. Chaplin's steadfastness in his beliefs, both artistic and personal, led to significant sacrifices, including his exile from the U.S. However, his enduring impact on film and his role as a champion against tyranny remain undeniable.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Eiman at [02:58]: "He was going to go ahead and make the film come hell or high water."

• Scott Eiman at [08:32]: "They would bug his phones... set up perimeters outside of his house..."

• Eiman at [15:54]: "It seemed to confirm to the public at large that he was what the prosecution said he was."

• Eiman at [24:21]: "They would have had to let him back into the country because he'd never been convicted of a crime."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Fresh Air offers a comprehensive look into the complexities of Charlie Chaplin's life, shedding light on the lesser-known struggles that overshadowed his monumental achievements in cinema. Terry Gross and Scott Eiman's conversation underscores the intricate dance between art and politics, and how unwavering principles can shape, and sometimes estrange, even the most celebrated figures.