Charlie Chaplin

Charles Chaplin is film history - a genius of the defining art of the 20th century and a towering figure in world culture.

The British Film Institute celebrates the culture of motion pictures in every form. While our work and contacts have an international dimension there is obviously a special responsibility for British cinema and filmmakers. Charlie Chaplin, who retained his British Nationality throughout his life and his long production career in the United States is one of the pivotal figures in film history. He was the first film star and appealed to both popular taste and high culture. He remains the most universally recognised personality in the history of entertainment. It is fitting then that Charlie Chaplin should have a focal position in the Institute's cultural programme.

Chaplin Resources

A guide to sources of Chaplin material worldwide, including a wealth of biographic and filmographic information and digitised material from bfi collections and archive.

Chaplin Research programme

Some of the latest research into Chaplin by leading academics, with essays and articles as well as papers from the Chaplin Conference - attended by Chaplin academics from across the world.

Restoring ChaplinRestoring Chaplin

Information on the global restoration project of Chaplin's Keystone films with reports on the films restored at the bfi National Archive, and a detailed case study of the restoration of A Film Johnnie.

Chaplin's WorldChaplin's World

Fly around the world and tour locations related to the life and career of Charlie Chaplin.

News and EventsNews & Events

Information on future and past events celebrating the life and work of Charlie Chaplin.