PROPER CHARLIES EVERYWHERE AS COMEDY ICON’S MEMORY LIVES ON
‘IT’S now a festival very much out on its own,’ is how Annie Condon, coordinator of the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival, described her feelings as another successful event drew to a close on Sunday evening. Charlie Chaplin’s association with Waterville began in 1959 when he first visited the seaside resort to escape his busy career in the US. It’s an association that has remained strong ever since as nowhere in the world would you find a festival devoted to Chaplin like you do in Waterville.
“It was absolutely marvellous with more people attending every year it seems. All the local businesses did well. It’s enjoyed by everyone with families also out in force this year,” Annie said.
The festival creates four exciting days which juxtaposes family fun and entertainment with the best screen writers, authors, historians, film producers and comedians from Kerry and afar, who all share their work and experience with people.
Comedians like Karl Spain and Kevin McGahern didn’t disappoint on Friday evening, while some of the genre’s best emerging talent put on a tour de force with stand-up performances by Shane Clifford, Ashley Manning, Richard Collins, and Anthony Riordan.
The famous Fossetts Circus has been a major part of the festival since it started. Sunday evening saw a large crowd turn out to see Jake Carter. But, as its name suggests, the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Festival is also about recognising comedy and creative talent throughout Ireland. Over 3,000 submissions were received for film, which had to be shortlisted to six per category. The best comedy film went to Kerry man, Ben Kavanagh, for his production ‘Word of Mouth’, which stars Kerry comedian, Bernard Casey.
The weekend also provides discussion forums for current affairs, and they don’t come any better than former US diplomat, Samantha Power. Samantha spoke before a packed audience at Waterville’s Sea Lodge Hotel about foreign policy during her final year as part of Obama’s administration. The US legal scholar and author, Cass Sunstein, also gave an entertaining talk about authoritarianism and its threat to US society and democracy. Kerry born comedians Mary Pickford and Mabel Normand won’t be familiar names to most people. But their contribution to comedy during the 1920s formed part of a discussion by UCC lecturer Gwenda Young, who spoke about women comedians in early Hollywood.
The customary gathering of Charlie Chaplin lookalikes assembled on Sunday afternoon to have another pitch at the world record for the most Charlies in one place. However, the main emphasis is all about the fun.
“The record is only a side issue really. But just to see so many people dressed up is amazing. To be included and to be part of it is what it’s all about. There was even babies dressed up as Chaplin. People from all over came, and it just proves what can be done.”
Annie concluded: “Overall we’re delighted with the festival, and the organising committee would like to thank everyone who helped make it great. We also appreciate the help we get from local people and businesses. I think we do
THE RECORD IS ONLY A SIDE ISSUE. TO BE INCLUDED AND PART OF IT IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
very well honouring Charlie Chaplin’s memory.”