Looking for Charlie: Life and Death in the Silent Era

Filmmakers Darren R. Reid and Brett Sanders tackle the complex topic of depression and comedy in Looking for Charlie: Life and Death in the Silent Era. They delve into the enduring fame of silent-era comedians such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Behind the stars of vaudeville were inspirational figures whose names have been lost to history.

Both Chaplin’s and Keaton’s styles of comedy were heavily influenced by other comedians who suffered from severe depression. Marceline Orbes and Francis “Slivers” Oakley made up one of the funniest vaudeville duos of their time. Despite their talent, both men died by suicide and became forgotten relics. Only through Chaplin and Keaton do their legacies live on, yet most people have never heard of them.

Reid and Sanders travel around the world seeking answers about mental health issues and their connection to the world of silent comedy.