REVIEWS
This book is an invaluable resource for those wanting to explore the roots of Chaplin's art. Through contemporary reviews, playbills, previously unseen photos and a bit of judicious speculation, Mr. Marriot paints the most complete picture we're ever likely to have of Chaplin's theatrical beginnings. Forget William Gillette - Mr. Marriot is the real Sherlock for unearthing this treasure trove of documentation. The mists of time dissipate as we trace Charlie's footsteps through the streets of Victorian London: on tour in the provinces and the Continent; and finally to the New World. It's a thrilling adventure.
[*Dan Kamin trained Robert Downey, Jr. for his Oscar-nominated performance
in the film "Chaplin."
He is an internationally-known performer, and the author of "Charlie Chaplin's
One-Man Show."
Go to: DAN KAMIN - Comedy in
Motion]
Although hundreds of books have been written
about Chaplin, this is the first to take a serious look at his first twenty-four
years, when he cut his teeth on the stage in England, Europe, the United
States, and Canada. Author "A.J" Marriot has gone to extraordinary lengths
to fully document Chaplin's movements and activities as a stage performer,
debunking myths and providing startling revelations along the way. This is
the first important book to be written about Chaplin in many a year, and
will probably be the last to provide such an enormous amount of new material.
The book is a highly enjoyable read, and will also serve as an important
reference work to Chaplin scholars.
[Hooman Mehran is a highly respected Chaplin scholar, writer and lecturer,
and a co-editor of "The Chaplin Review".
Go to: THE CHAPLIN REVIEW]
This book is a treasure trove of theatrical detective work and an absolutely wonderful resource for Chaplin fans."
Andrew Crumey - Scotland on Sunday
I found your book easily readable, informative
and entertaining.
Sometimes when you are listing facts and figures a lot, it can be a bit of
a heavy slog,
but the interest level didn't drop as I read it through in only 2 or 3 sittings.
The research that went into the detail must have been enormous,
but the effort has been well rewarded with a book which is a must for all
serious,
and not so serious, scholars of Chaplin.
Peter O'Brien - East Kilbride
"A.J" Marriot is to be congratulated on his
depth of knowledge and the amount
of time and research he has dedicated to his subject. It really is a very
fine book.
I enjoyed it immensely, and I look forward to getting his book on Laurel
& Hardy's British Tours.
William Jannke - Watertown WI. United States
There may be more entertaining books about
Charlie Chaplin, but none will be as accurate
as A.J Marriot's "CHAPLIN - Stage by Stage,"
which is the ideal companion for the strictly music hall enthusiast.
Richard A. Baker - The Call Boy (the Official Journal of the British Music Hall Society)