The Floorwalker Clippings 36/84
Motion Picture News, New York, March 11, 1916
„There is inspiration in it“
Editorial content. „Charlie Chaplin Signs Contract with Mutual Film
Famous Screen Comedian Will Appear Exclusively
in Its Subjects at a Salary of $670,000 for His First Year‘s
Work – Total OperatIon in Formation of the Chaplin
Producing Company Involved $1,550,000 – He Will Begin
Work on March 20 in Two-Part Comedies Released
Once a Month
CHARLIE CHAPLIN has signed a contract to appear exclusively
in the releases of the Mutual Film Corporation.“ (...)
„The Chaplin contract contains more than 20,000 words
and provides conditions and clauses to cover numerous
contingencies. An element of ,war risk‘ enters into the contract.
Mr. Chaplin is a British subject. It is stipulated
that he shall not leave the United States within the life of the
contract without the permission of the corporation.
Incidentally, Mr. Freuler has insured the comedian‘s life for
$250,000.
,This contract,‘ observes Mr. Freuler, ,is only a new token
of the bigness of the motion picture and the motion
picture industry, a combination of art, amusement and business.
The figures are all business,‘ he added with a dry smile.
,We can afford to pay Mr. Chaplin this large sum annually
because the public wants Chaplin and will pay to see
him.‘“ (...)
„Mr. Chaplin is not much inclined to talk about business.“ (...)
„,What this contract means is simply that I am
in business with the worry left out and with the dividends
guaranteed.
,It means that I am left free to be just as funny as I dare,
to do the best work that is in me and to spend my
energies on the thing that the people want. I have felt for a long
time that this would be my big year, and this contract
gives me my opportunity. There is inspiration in it.‘“
Redaktioneller Inhalt
