Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin
Reading Comprehension for April 16
"A day without laughter," said Charlie Chaplin, "is a day wasted." Charlie Chaplin spent his career trying to make sure that a day without laughter never had to happen. He created enough funny moments on film to add laughter to many days.
Charlie Chaplin became a film star in the era of silent films. He made silent films in the 1920s, films with music and sound effects in the 1930s, and talkies in the 1940s. Whatever kind of movies he starred in, they always made people laugh.
Making silent movies was challenging, and being funny in a silent movie must have been an even greater challenge. Charlie Chaplin solved the problem by creating a character known as "the Tramp."
The Tramp had a style all his own. He wore a tight, shabby coat, really big baggy pants, and a derby hat. He carried a cane to add a touch of class to his appearance and always sported a toothbrush mustache. He moved with a silly, bow-legged walk, but he always tried to use the manners of a high-class gentleman.
The Tramp was a kind-hearted person. He had big dreams, too, but his lack of respect for authorities tended to get him in trouble. His fumbling, bumbling way of doing things often caused him problems, but it made for very funny scenes on film. In fact, the combination of qualities and styles that Chaplin gave to the Tramp resulted in a character that was irresistible to movie audiences.
