Charlie Chaplin, Excluded in 1952, Returns to U.S. After 20 Years
The great silent film star Charlie Chaplin returned to the U.S. on this day after being denied entry for 20 years.
His visa was revoked on September 17, 1952, while on his way to England to promote his new film, Limelight. At the height of the Cold War, Chaplin was under attack by anti-Communists for his political views and also for alleged immoral behavior. He was born in England and never became an American citizen, and thus was excluded when the U.S. cancelled his visa.
Chaplin returned the U.S. on this day to receive an honorary Academy Award at the annual Oscar ceremony, on April 10, 1972. At the ceremony received a 12-minute standing ovation.
Read: Charles J. Maland, Chaplin and American Culture: The Evolution of a Star Image (1989)
Read Chaplin’s FBI file: http://vault.fbi.gov/charlie-chaplin
Watch Chaplin’s silent comedies: “Boxing:” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxWhaFrBz64
The Eating Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_1apYo6-Ow
Learn more at the official Charlie Chaplin web site: http://www.charliechaplin.com/