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On February 7, 1914, Charlie Chaplin made his film debut in the silent comedy short "Making a Living." This event marked the beginning of an iconic career that would span decades and leave an indelible mark on the history of cinema.

In "Making a Living," Chaplin played a swindler named Edgar English, a departure from the "Little Tramp" character he would later develop and become famous for. The film, directed by Henry Lehrman, was produced by Keystone Studios, where Chaplin had recently signed a contract.

Although "Making a Living" was not a major success, it provided Chaplin with a platform to showcase his comedic talents. He quickly became a popular figure at Keystone Studios, and his subsequent films, such as "Kid Auto Races at Venice" (released just a few days later on February 10), began to feature his iconic "Little Tramp" character.

Chaplin's "Little Tramp," with his signature bowler hat, toothbrush mustache, and cane, became a global phenomenon. The character appeared in many of Chaplin's most famous films, including "The Kid" (1921), "The Gold Rush" (1925), "City Lights" (1931), and "Modern Times" (1936).

Throughout his career, Chaplin not only acted but also wrote, directed, produced, and composed music for his films. His unique blend of comedy, pathos, and social commentary made him one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema.

In summary, February 7, 1914, marks the film debut of Charlie Chaplin, a pivotal moment in the history of cinema that launched the career of one of the most iconic and influential filmmakers of all time.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI