Scott Eyman

In Charlie Chaplin vs.America, Scott Eyman views the battle over Charlie Chaplin's ability to re-enter the US in the context of his entire life and career. Chaplin's character and political values had been under assault by high profile gossip columnists and right-wing politicians for more than decade before his exclusion in 1952. If we hadn't already heard similar tales during the McCarthy era and subsequently, the petty and nasty treatment inflicted on Chaplin by the press and the government would shock us. Now I don't imagine many readers will find themselves surprised by the media's or government's actions. The book does a good job of briskly telling Chaplin's rag to riches tale with interesting details of his great performances and as well as the vicissitudes of his personal life. I found the story of the redemption Chaplin found in his marriage to Oona O'Niell after his exile inspiring.… (mere)

I first learned of Chaplin through his marriage to the much younger Oona O’Neill because I did a reading of one of Eugene O’Neill’s plays. Then by noticing the acting careers of his daughter Geraldine and his granddaughter. Then there was the Robert Downey film of his life. So I picked up bits and pieces of his history but this excellent biography puts it all together. It’s a shameful episode in America’s history that their hypocrisy and paranoia damaged this man’s brilliant career and life.… (mere)