During World War One (WWI) Charlie Chaplin was criticized for not joining the Army and going to war. The truth of the matter is that Chaplin was drafted (view his draft card) and he did present himself for service, but was turned away because he was too short and underweight. During the war Chaplin worked raising finds for the war effort through war bond drives and making The Bond, a propaganda film in 1918 at his own expense. Many believe the controversy prevented Chaplin from receiving the knighthood in the 1930s. Chaplin was eventually knighted in 1975 at the age of 85 by Queen Elizabeth II.
As recently as last year this tale expanded with a new surprise discovery on eBay. Collector Morace Park found a battered film container and purchased it because he liked the look of it for £3.20. At first he didn't even open it, when he did he found a surprise. He found that it was a vintage Charlie Chaplin film called Zepped showing Zeppelins over London during WWI. Some googling and other searching found no mention of this film. It was a lost piece of propaganda history. The film appears to be a collection of clips from other films connected to create a new piece. It was coded for original showing in Egypt. The discovery was made in November, and the film is not yet publicly available.
Chaplin died on Christmas Day in 1977 in Vevey, Switzerland.
-Professor Walter
