Collection of Charlie Chaplin related sheet music

New York, London: Various Publishers, 1915-1957. A collection of nine sheet music scores for eight songs written by or about silent film star Charlie Chaplin, and spanning from some of the earliest appearances of his Tramp character through to the 1957 release of "A King in New York." Please note that the Chaplin signatures in the image are all facsimiles that were printed onto the publications by the publisher.

Songs included range from ones inspired by Chaplin, like "Charlie Chaplin Walk," and "Those Charlie Chaplin Feet," to ones composed by Chaplin for use in his films, including "The Gold Rush," and "A King in New York," and even one, "Mandalay" which simply claims (by way of a photo reproduced on the front wrapper) to be Chaplin's favorite. Our personal favorite inclusion would have to be the "Novelty Fox Trot Ukulele" rendition of Chaplin's "With You, Dear, In Bombay" written for "The Gold Rush."

Reflective of the runaway sensation Chaplin became in the public eye, the sheet music also speaks of an era in which people were more inclined to play or sing music in their homes. Universally acclaimed as an actor, director, and producer, Chaplin's iconic Tramp character especially captured the hearts of the filmgoing population, and to this day he remains a legendary innovator in comedic cinema. As much a perfectionist in soundtracks as he was in every other aspect of his films, after the advent of Talkies Chaplin took an avid role in orchestral composition, though as he was self-taught and unable to read music this often manifested as collaboration with other composers.

Pamphlets range in size from 8.5 x 10.75 inches to 10.5 x 13.75 inches, side stapled. Most scores approximately Very Good plus. A couple of the oldest scores are in Good or Good plus condition, with detached wrappers or wear at the extremities.

[Book #134980]