Brief Chaplin bio captures essence of 'the Tramp'

In 1914, Keystone Studios released two short films that gave a world marching to war a reason to laugh.

Their titles, Kid Auto Races at Venice and Mabel's Strange Predicament, are far less memorable than the character they helped to introduce: the Tramp. Wearing oversized shoes and baggy clothes, carrying a cane, and sporting a derby and just a dash of moustache, actor Charlie Chaplin waddled onto the screen.

Two years and dozens of shorts later, Chaplin was a global favorite. Over time, the Tramp became an enduring icon - and his creator a bit of a head case. Tyrannical and incredibly moody, he was completely self-absorbed to the detriment of professional and family relationships.