The Intimate Charlie Chaplin

Many of those who knew the intimate Charlie Chaplin documented his life and their perceptions of him in their writings. One of the most fascinating and revealing of these accounts has, until now, been available only in French. May Reeves' portrait of Chaplin (as told to Claire Goll) covers their year-long relationship during his 19311932 vacation in Europe. The enigmatic actress and dancer Reeves, in chronicling her relationship with Chaplin, both elaborates on and offers contrasts to the popular impressions of her brilliant travelling companion. Constance Brown Kuriyama has translated Reeves' original Charlie Chaplin Intime into English, and also includes an introduction, and a translation of reminiscences by Chaplin's press agent, Carlyle T. Robinson, which until now have also been difficult to obtain.

May Reeves first published her memoir in Paris in 1935. Constance Brown Kuriyama is an associate professor of English at Texas Tech University. She has written for such publications as Film Quarterly and Limelight. She lives in Lubbock, Texas.