"CHARLIE" (2009) by Mark Redfield. 18x24. Acrylic on canvas.Chaplin is another, continuing influence. I was lucky, in a way, to grow up during the late 1960's and early '70's, when there was a resurgence in popularity with great comedians like Chaplin, Keaton, W.C. Fields and Laurel and Hardy.
Perhaps it starts with the Robert Youngson compilation films of silent comedians that were released in the mid-60's and the packaging of Three Stooges shorts for television. In Europe, Keaton was "re-discovered" by cineastes. Posters of W. C. Fields were in college dorms all over the country in the mid-1970's. The films of all the greats were packaged cheap for television syndication, and my generation was exposed to their genius and magic.
Not today. They have all fallen out of vogue somewhat, and today's generation of kids don't know who they are. The films just aren't easily available.
It's up to us, those who know, to share their magic with new generations.
A fabulous post, Mark. Thanks!
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