Author Scott Eyman explains how silent film actor Charlie Chaplin was smeared in the press, scandalized for his affairs with young women, condemned for his alleged communist ties and banned from returning to the U.S. "At one time or another he was the target of the entire security apparatus of the United States of America," Eyman says. His book is Charlie Chaplin vs. America. Also, Justin Chang reviews two highly-anticipated blockbusters, Wicked and Gladiator II. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
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This is FRESH AIR.
I'm Dave Davies.
Charlie Chaplin is a legendary figure of American cinema, remembered for silent films such as Modern Times, about the alienation of factory work and the Great Dictator, a talking picture in which Chaplin satirized and imitated Adolf Hitler.
But Chaplin also led a colorful and controversial life beyond his film career.
Today we're going to listen to Terry's interview with writer Scott Eiman about his book Charlie Chaplin vs When Art, Sex and Politics Collided.
It's now out in paperback.
Eiman writes about Chaplin's affairs with younger women, a paternity suit in which he was falsely accused, and the FBI's investigation into his alleged Communist ties, among other things.
When Chaplin went to England in 1952 to promote a film, his re entry papers were revoked, forcing him to spend the last 25 years of his life in exile.
Scott Eyman is also the author of books about John Wayne, Cary Grant, John Ford and Cecil B.