Charlie Chaplin and the making of Hollywood | Summer School course
Spend a week in Leura, Blue Mountains, attending this summer school course which traces the early life and development of the comic genius of the twentieth century through to the end of the silent era. It is set against the phenomenal growth of the American film industry and lasting impact of Chaplin’s life and art upon the world. It goes deeper than the knock about comedian, pantomime artist and Little Tramp that we see in his early short films.
From $2,827CAD
Departure Dates
| Departure Date | Price |
|---|---|
| 07 January 2024 Ends 13 January 2024 • days $2,827 Twin $3,269 Single Available | Selected |
Charlie Chaplin and the making of Hollywood
Hollywood was in its infancy when Charles Chaplin arrived at the Sennett Studios in 1914. Within two years, under his own steam, he became the world’s first megastar and together with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks established United Artists in 1920.
This course traces the early life and development of the comic genius of the twentieth century through to the end of the silent era. It is set against the phenomenal growth of the American film industry and lasting impact of Chaplin’s life and art upon the world.
It goes deeper than the knock about comedian, pantomime artist and Little Tramp that we see in his early short films. We see the development of memorable cinema in feature length comic dramas such as ‘The Kid’ (1921), ‘The Gold Rush’ (1925), ‘City Lights’ (1931) to his great message of conscience in ‘The Great Dictator’ (1940). It is ultimately in these productions that the great artistry of Chaplin is fully revealed and celebrated by world audiences of all languages and cultures.
In addition, his pivotal role in the development of Hollywood itself between the wars, from silence to sound, from black and white to colour, from small to large studios, and from personality to personality forms a fascinating background to the Chaplin era.
The course includes the viewing of documentary footage, film classics as well as reading, discussion, presentations, and on the spot research into his life and times, his work on set in the 1930’s and his films from this period.
Summer School classes for mature and senior travellers
Odyssey offers a collection of week-long learning programs offered each January in Hobart, Tasmania. Courses are refreshed for each year’s programs. Classes are limited to 15 people.
Over the last twenty-five years, Odyssey’s small group Summer School Program has given countless travellers an unforgettable educational and travel experience. Each summer, we prepare and offer fun and challenging special interest courses and programs designed to give travellers the options and opportunity to learn about history, religion, Australian culture, and the arts, among many other topics. These courses are designed in such a way that enthusiasts can deepen their knowledge of a particular topic or be initiated into new understandings on a subject.
These programs offered are tailor-made for mature-aged and senior travellers who are eager to explore in-depth a particular topic. Summer school learning programs for mature and senior travellers who are and remain curious about the world. Read more about our philosophy of the Odyssey Summer Schools.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Hobart
The Summer school program begins with a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 2: Hobart
CHAPLIN: THE EARLY YEARS 1890-1920
Central to this course is the question of how we may define genius using Chaplin as a case in point. So we begin by looking at his early life of bitter poverty and hardship in the downtrodden tenements of South London with occasional access to bit jobs in the Music Halls across the Westminster Bridge in the East End. We look for clues of his future brilliance in his early life and then we see it unfold between 1914 and 1920 in the explosion of the new art form of cinema in what becomes Hollywood.
Day 3: Hobart
HOLLYWOOD -‘THE KID’ – COMING OF AGE
We examine selections of his best short films from around 1917 to 1920 that gradually see the broader and deeper use of cinema as an art form and much more than pantomime or frolic. We continue with a matching of personal, business and Hollywood magic. It ends with his first famous full-length inspiration ‘The Kid’ (1921). This is his last movie for First National Release before filming for United Artists which he had established with Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.
Day 4: Hobart
THE ROARING TWENTIES
Chaplin’s personal life undergoes many challenges in the rage of twenties Hollywood culminating with health concerns. His creative powers nonetheless result in the much celebrated ‘The Gold Rush’ (1925) where his true genius emerges in great and hilarious moments of both pathos and humour. With the release of ‘The Circus’ (1929) to great acclaim, the decade concludes with an Academy Award nomination and an antidote of laughter as the Great Depression takes hold.
Day 5: Hobart
FAMOUS CINEMATIC MOMENTS
As sound takes over in the thirties, Chaplin goes on to write, produce, direct, perform and add the music to two great silent movies. His sweet romantic story of the blind girl and the Tramp in ‘City Lights’ (1931) is followed by ‘Modern Times’ (1936) considered still as one of the funniest films ever made. In between these productions, Chaplin travels for the second time to England, Europe and South East Asia.
We watch Charlie at work through documentary footage as he composes a famous scene from City Lights and see it played out as one of the most celebrated final scenes in movie history.
Day 6: Hobart
CHAPLIN V HITLER – CHARLIE SPEAKS!
We complete the course by witnessing Chaplin as the Little Fellow speak for the first time on screen playing dual roles as a returned soldier, a Jewish barber and as ‘The Great Dictator’ (1940) where he imitates and lampoons Hitler.
We begin the day by discussing the motivation for politically motivated themes between the Depression and Second World War in the Hollywood setting. Then we conclude by watching elements of the Chaplin’s making of a movie that turns to sound, political satire and a universal message.
Day 7: Hobart
The course will end after breakfast.
Includes / Excludes
What’s included in our Tour
- 6 nights in full en suite accommodation
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners.
- Lectures and handouts as indicated.
- Services of a study leader and lecturers.
- Complimentary wifi.
What’s not included in our Tour
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
- Costs of a personal nature.
Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, moderate walking on uneven surfaces between 3 - 5 kilometers per day. Suitable for most fitness levels
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Easing your journey
Crossing international borders with restrictions
The list of requirements to travel internationally has changed and will continue to change for several years. Odyssey is here to assist you in managing your way through these requirements:
For more information see our Crossing international borders with restrictions page.
Book With Confidence
If less than 30 days before your tour starts you are unable to travel as a result of Government travel restrictions, Odyssey Traveller will assist you with a date change, provide you with a credit or process a refund for your booking less any non-recoverable costs.
See Terms and conditions for details.
Peace of Mind Travel
The safety of our travellers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when travelling with us.
See Peace of Mind Travel for details.
