THE LION OF LONDON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20842, 8 April 1931, Page 6

THE LION OF LONDON.

CHARLIE CHAPLIN A HERO. REMARKABLE RECEPTION. "A CHILD AND A YOUTH.** [from our own correspondent.] LONDON, March 6. Charlie Chaplin is the lion of London—of all classes of the community. He has been visiting, in all simplicity, his old suburb of Kennington. He has been rubbing shoulders with the leaders in the land at the Dominion Theatre, and they have supped sumptuously with him afterwards in response to his invitation. His guests included politicians, dramatists, peers, peeresses, theatrical stars and friends of former days. Together, they had a marvellous time and a well-ar-ranged cabaret-buffet feast. Outside the theatre for the premiere of Charlie Chaplin's great new film, "City Lights"—perhaps the greatest of all his work —there were remarkable scenes, despite a wet night, for the crowds congregated hours before, making it exceedingly difficult for the seatholders to get thrbugh. But Mr. Chaplin was already inside, so the crowd did not see him arrive; he slipped in unseen and changed into evening dress behind the sheltering doors. Ovation to Wrong " Charlie." A hoax was perpetrated on the waiting crowd. While notable people were arriving a taxicab drew up at the theatre and a little man in baggy trousers, tight jacket and bowler hat, carrying a cane and wearing a perfect Chaplin moustache, jumped out. A commissionaire held an umbrella over him. "Charlie!" roared the crowd, and " Charlie" raised his hat politely and walked toward the doors. The police cordons were strained almost to breaking point as the crowd in a frenzy of excitement cheered and waved. Photographers' flashlights flashed, and an official in evening dress advanced \fith outstretched hands to greet the film star. But then something went wrong. A small boy in front was heard to shout above the din, That's not Charlie," and for a moment the officials looked dumbfounded, while " Charlie," began to retreat, whereupon a police inspector escorted the hoaxer firmly to the road. It may have been " Charlie," but his name was not Chaplin ; so the searchlights faded away. Fifteen minutes later, however, the searchlights were again brilliant, illuminating a balcony window, and showing Mr. Chaplin standing there in immaculate evening dress. He threw kisses to the crowd and clasped his hands to indicate that he shook hands with all his admirers. He was obviously delighted, and so were they. Mr. Chaplin's Spanish Complex. Mr. Winston Churchill, proposing the health of Mr. Chaplin at the cabaret, said: "Mr. Chaplin is very much one of us. He was born less than a mile from where we are standing now. He has done a great thing in spreading all round the world comedy and good humour, which have broken down all the barriers of nations and brought happiness to people of all classes." " I do not find it easy to talk on my feet," said Mr. Chaplin, in reply. " I am not a Chancellor of the Exchequer, but merely a child and a youth. I have never enjoyed myself so much before.'' " Mr. Chaplin,'" his secretary said, " has a tremendous urge toward Spain. The Spanish people are pantomimic in character, every action they make has a meaning. So have those of Mr. Chaplin. He is crazy to see a bull fight in Toledo. You may not know it, but his father's family were gypsies for two centuries and came from Spain."