Charlie Chaplin, 1915-20 (b/w photo)

Sir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin (1889-1977) was an English comic actor, filmmaker and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film He may be signing his contract with the "Mutual Film Company", an early American motion picture conglomerate best remembered as the producers of some of his greatest comedies. In 1916, Chaplin became the highest paid entertainer in the world when he signed a contract for ,000 per year. Mutual built Chaplin his own studio and allowed him total freedom to make twelve two-reel films during this fruitful twelve-month period