How Hollywood execs were clueless even in 1912

Ill-conceived ‘notes’ from clueless executives are a long-standing joke among comedians.

But even Charlie Chaplin was not immune from misguided advice, newly discovered documents have shown.

The comic was told change his name and lose his trademark  hat, walk – and even moustache.

And when he complied, he was dismissed as ‘bland’.

The request came from  film studio Universal in 1912. In a letter to his colleague Charles Austin, bosses said: ‘The moustache must go and Chaplin will have to change name. Too easily confused with another comic Charlie Chase. Also Chaplin sounds Jewish.’

And lest you think the fear of causing offence in comedy was a new invention, the studio added: ‘Also, do not allow Chaplin to walk comically. This may look alright on English Music Hall stages but for mass audience we must try to avoid offending people who are bow-legged or cripples. DO NOT let him over-act. Try other hats and caps, possibly even beret.’

Austin replied: ‘Chaplin strongly objects changing make-up and style.’

But he did a screen test the following year, without the comic quirks, and the verdict was ‘very bland style, no personality and too short'.

Just two years later, after introducing his Tramp character to cinema audiencess complete with cane, moustache and bow-legged walk, he was being paid $10,000 a week - the equivalent of $11million a year in today’s money.

The correspondence was found in the archives of showbiz charity the Grand Order of Water Rats, and reported in today’s Mail on Sunday.

The charity plans to display the letters at its museum inLondon, along with Chaplin’s bowler hat and cane.

Published: 7 May 2017