Drawing from a wealth of archival sources from across the globe, Carr provides an in-depth examination of Chaplin's life as he made his way from Lambeth to Los Angeles. From his experiences in the workhouse to his controversial romantic relationships and his connections with some of the leading political figures of his day, this book sheds new light on Chaplin's private life and introduces him as a key social commentator of the time.

Introduction: a very political life -- Chaplin's England -- To shoulder arms? Charlie and the First World War -- Moscow or Manchester? Chaplin's views on capitalism before the Depression took hold -- Sex, morality and a tramp in 1920s America -- Between Churchill and Gandhi: a comedian sees the world -- Modern times and the Great Depression -- The tramp and the dictators -- Comrades and controversy -- A citizen of the world -- Conclusion.