charles chaplin be truly the first independent filmmaker with the exception perhaps of george melies . chaplin write and direct and star in and score nearly all of his film . no one understand the craft of film making ( silent or otherwise ) good than chaplin . he never compromise his artistic vision and perfectionism and or his integrity . charlie literally make his film up a he go along and rehearse on film and discard whatever do not work . such technique would prove too costly and time consume today . this documentary consist of some of chaplin best experiment some of which he re shot and much of which he order burn . like many a magician and chaplin do not want his secret get out . luckily and many of his best trick be reveal here for posterity . it all lovingly narrate by james mason . and the scene that be cut from the circus and city light and modern time be as good a anything that end up in the final release . i wish this be available on dvd and a my tape be begin to wear out .