In the summer of 1954, Prime Minister Zhou visited Geneva, Switzerland. During this trip, he not only had to attend a special meeting, but also met an important guest.
This guest is the world-famous "comedy master" - Chaplin !
When it comes to Chaplin, people often think of the image of "tramp" he created on the screen. Few people know this story between him and Premier Zhou in private.
As soon as we met, Premier Zhou greeted Chaplin enthusiastically: Hello, Mr. Chaplin, I met you forty years ago!
Chaplin was also very happy to see Premier Zhou, and immediately showed off his comedy talent to make everyone laugh.
Then, Premier Zhou signaled the staff to take out the prepared dishes. Chaplin immediately was amazed when he saw this dish and told Premier Zhou that he might not be able to eat this roast duck.
Because his creative soul step comes from it, he has complex emotions about it.
Hearing this, Premier Zhou and the Chinese staff present were stunned, and no one expected Chaplin to say that.
So, in the face of such an "emergency situation", how will Premier Zhou and Chaplin continue to the next topic?
(Prime Minister Zhou and Chaplin)
below, let us explain it in detail one by one.
1 The "comedy master" with progressive ideas
Premier Zhou's invitation to Chaplin was by no means a groundless decision, nor was it a simple "star chasing" in the sense of "simple".
Because, in addition to being a comedy master, Chaplin was also one of the first American artists to promote progressive ideas in movies. Later, the reason why Chaplin left the United States and settled in Switzerland is also related to this.
Later, because of his father, he was able to work in a theater troupe and since then he embarked on the path of an actor, but Chaplin found that there was no way out to be an actor in this small theater troupe in the UK.
So, he decided to give up his current life and go to the United States on the other side of the ocean to try his luck.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the film industry in Hollywood in the United States entered a golden period of rapid development. During this period, Chaplin happened to enter the work of Hollywood , and soon became very popular in the United States with works such as " Gold Rush ".
(poster for the movie "Golden Sprint")
Hollywood producers and directors saw Chaplin's strength, and various invitations and applications flew towards Chaplin like snowflakes.
But Chaplin knew very well that they were just "capitalists" who were determined to make money. Chaplin hoped to have the opportunity to realize his ideals than simply making money. He wanted to use movies to express some "just thoughts", which was very rare in American society at that time and was also very dangerous.
The homeless man in the movie Sharlo took strange steps to the production line, and was finally bullied by his colleagues, ridiculed by people, and gradually became a person like a "machine".
Chaplin told everyone a truth in an obscure way: in the society of capitalist , workers have never been humans, but parts on machines.
Results, once this movie was released, it immediately became a "hot film" in the cinema. Many viewers will not only laugh after watching the movie, but also be deeply touched by the truth contained in it.
Chaplin's social influence has greatly enhanced, and he has also attracted the attention of American agents.
(Chaplin's performance in Modern Times)
In order to prevent the Soviet-led " International Communist Party " continue to have an impact on capitalist countries such as the United States, American agents actually listed a so-called "list of dangerous elements". Anyone who is on this list is suspected by the US government to be the Communist Party or the sympathizer of the Communist Party.
At that time, Chaplin and many Hollywood filmmakers with progressive ideas were on this list.
Americans gave these movies two choices: either never shoot movies that "promote communist ideas" again, or move out of the United States and leave Hollywood completely. Under such circumstances, many people have to accept the "dominant clauses" of the US government for their livelihood issues.
But only Chaplin was unwilling to bow to the US government and insisted on promoting progressive ideas in the movie.
Finally, Chaplin himself had to leave the United States and settle in Switzerland.
Since then, Chaplin has made good use of his connections and resources in the film and television industry to invest in many films.
Among them, " The Great Dictator " released in 1940 is the most famous. However, after entering the 1950s, Chaplin gradually bid farewell to the big screen due to physical reasons.
(poster for the movie "The Great Dictator")
At this time, Chaplin lived in his small yard and rarely contacted outsiders. It was not until 1954 that Premier Zhou called Chaplin a "invitation call" that his later years became interesting.
2 "Invitation" from the East
At that time, represented by the United States, Western countries always adopted a hostile policy towards the new China, and China's legal representative seats in many diplomatic occasions were still occupied by the Kuomintang group in Taiwan Province.
Therefore, " Geneva Conference " is one of the few stages for New China to showcase. At this conference, although a group of Western diplomats represented by US Secretary of State Dulles were very distant from Premier Zhou.
But our country still attracted everyone's attention with the song "Liangshanbo and Zhu Yingtai". It can be said that the diplomatic debut of New China has achieved great success at this moment.
With the joy of victory, Premier Zhou returned to where he and the members of the delegation lived.
At this time, someone reminded Premier Zhou that Mr. Chaplin, who was famous in the United States in his early years, also lived in Geneva . If Premier Zhou could take the opportunity to meet the other party and talk to him about his thoughts, it would be of great benefit to both sides.
(Yue Opera "Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai")
Premier Zhou thought for a moment and agreed to this suggestion.
At that time, because we wanted to show the world Chinese culture, we also specially brought chefs and some literary and artistic workers from China.
Premier Zhou specifically reminds everyone: Since you are going to invite Chaplin to a meal, you must eat authentic Chinese food and let him have a good meal!
After the big guy's research, everyone prepared Moutai wine , roast duck and some desserts rich in Chinese characteristics for Chaplin.
Because Chaplin once visited Shanghai, China in 1936, people must not be careless when cooking this time. If Chaplin eats something wrong, it will be a "laughing".
In May 1954, Premier Zhou ordered people to formally send an invitation to Chaplin in the name of the Chinese delegation.
Not long after, they received a warm reply from Mr. Chaplin. Chaplin said that he was very grateful to the invitation from the Chinese delegation and he would definitely attend the banquet in great costume.
(Prime Minister Zhou)
The next day, the banquet kicked off at the hotel where the Chinese delegation lived. In order to show our friendly attitude, we also specially invited Mr. Chaplin's family to attend the banquet. At the beginning of the banquet, the atmosphere at the scene was very warm. The staff of the Chinese delegation played a song " Liang Zhu " with the violin and received a lot of applause.
After settling down other guests, Premier Zhou walked to Chaplin, who mentioned a past that was "unforgettable" for Chaplin at the beginning.
It was the fall of 1936. Because the US government pressed Chaplin step by step, he had to choose to leave the United States and go to Switzerland for asylum.
However, at that time, there was no way to get directly between the United States and Switzerland. If you want to get to Switzerland safely and relatively quickly, you could only transfer from Shanghai, China.
Because Chaplin's reputation of "sympathizing with workers" has long been spread all over the world, so since Chaplin had just decided on China's plan, our party sent someone to contact him.
(Chaplin in the movie)
In Shanghai, Chaplin witnessed police bullying Chinese people in foreign concessions, and a placard "Chinese and dogs are not allowed to enter" was erected at the entrance of the park.
All this deeply hurt Chaplin's heart. He could not imagine that there was someone suffering such humiliation in his country on the other side of the world.
He immediately stated that he wanted to do something for the cause of liberation of the Chinese people, but the comrade in charge of receiving Chaplin told him that he has now become the focus of tracking of the US government. Compared to contributing to the Chinese revolution, Chaplin's own safety is the first priority.
Finally, Chaplin could only leave China reluctantly under the escort of his Chinese comrades.
("Chinese and dogs are not allowed to enter" placard)
Recalling the "trip to China" eighteen years ago, Chaplin's eyes were a little wet.
However, he immediately sorted out his mood and asked Prime Minister Zhou with a very relaxed look, "I heard that your negotiations in Geneva are for the peace in Indochina this time. Has the problem been resolved?"
Premier Zhou laughed and patted Chaplin on the shoulder and said to him: After joint discussion, all problems have been resolved peacefully.
Premier Zhou said calmly, but Chaplin also knew the hardships.
After all, peace has always been achieved through strength. When he heard Premier Zhou’s words, Chaplin admired Premier Zhou and the Chinese Communists even more.
He sorted out his clothes and sat on the chair. The waiter behind him immediately filled the small wine glass in front of Chaplin when he saw this. Chaplin looked at the bottle of wine in the waiter's hand that he had never seen before, and couldn't help but feel "curious".
(Prime Minister Zhou)
3 Chaplin fell in love with "Chinese Champagne"
Premier Zhou immediately understood what he meant when he looked at Chaplin's expression.
So, Premier Zhou took the initiative to introduce China's Moutai liquor and related "wine culture" to Chaplin. The more he listened, Chaplin became more and more excited. When he heard it, he simply picked up the wine glass and took a big mouthful. After drinking a cup of "Moutai", Chaplin's expression changed subtly.
I saw him slowly put down his glass and said to Premier Zhou, "I have to say that this kind of champagne in China is the wine that men should drink!"
After listening to Chaplin's words, Premier Zhou immediately asked someone to pour him a glass of water. After Chaplin's condition stabilized slightly, Premier Zhou continued to discuss the previous topic with him.
Chaplin was very interested in the newly established New China, so Premier Zhou introduced his development achievements to him one by one.
In cities, our country is carrying out the "three major socialist transformations". In rural areas, our country has also completed the "land reform" with unprecedented determination and courage.
China's feudal system has been completely eliminated for more than two thousand years, and the entire country has exuded a positive force.
(Cathletes and the masses during the "Three Major Reforms" period)
Chaplin showed a sincere smile after hearing this. It was precisely because he had seen the old China behind the darkness with his own eyes that he knew how precious these achievements were to the new China.
Thinking of this, Chaplin took the initiative to stand up and invited Premier Zhou to raise a glass for the New China. It can be seen that Chaplin was very happy from the bottom of his heart. If it weren't for the movie, he might have really become a heroic revolutionary warrior.
After drinking this glass of wine, Chaplin still seemed to feel unsatisfied.
He pointed to the Moutai on the table, and then pointed at himself and asked tentatively, could he bring a bottle of Chinese champagne back and keep it as a souvenir? Premier Zhou smiled and asked the staff to prepare two bottles of Moutai for him.
I didn’t expect that Chaplin, as a person who “born in the UK, developed in the United States, and lived in Switzerland”, would actually love Maotai in China so much.
Compared with his contributions to 's world revolution , these two bottles of Moutai are really insignificant.
Just as Chaplin was still praising Chinese Moutai, a steaming Chinese dish was brought to him. The moment he saw the dish, Chaplin immediately showed a "greedy" gaze.
But out of politeness, he did not go up to pick up food immediately, but turned his attention to Premier Zhou who was standing aside.
Premier Zhou reached out and while picking up a piece of meat, he introduced that this is Chinese Beijing Roast Duck , which was specially made from China with a chef.
Chaplin nodded repeatedly after hearing Premier Zhou's words, but after a while, a hint of embarrassment flashed across his face. The unknown Chinese staff immediately went to inquire about the situation.
Chaplin told everyone that although he likes to eat Chinese food, he cannot accept the plate of roast duck in front of him.
After hearing this, everyone's heart suddenly rose to their throats: Originally, this dish was the "finishing touch" of the banquet. What if Chaplin doesn't eat it?
(Beijing Roast Duck)
4 The "indissoluble bond" between Chaplin and Roast Duck
Looking at everyone's surprised expression, Chaplin immediately told everyone the whole story.
It turns out that when Chaplin created the character "The Wanderer Charlotte", he incorporated the duck's footsteps into it.
Later, Charlotte became a classic in the history of human cinema, and the "duck step" also became people's "labeled impression" of Chaplin.
So, since then, Chaplin has set rules for himself: never eat duck meat from now on.
Although Chaplin explained the reason clearly, the dishes were ready and they were always kept like this. Before the Chinese staff could react, Chaplin picked up the tableware beside him and said to everyone: Although I once set the rules for myself not to eat ducks, I was in the United States at that time, and this duck should not be an American duck, right?
After saying that, Chaplin immediately picked up the tableware and started eating. While eating, Chaplin did not forget to greet Premier Zhou, who was beside him, and Chaplin became happier the more he ate. Later, he simply grabbed a duck leg and put it in his hand, looking a bit funny.
("The Wanderer Charlotte" in the movie)
But as a comedian, Chaplin's profession is to make everyone happy. Seeing that everyone is so happy, he simply stood up and improvised to perform a "duck step" for everyone. Unexpectedly, Chaplin had not played Charlotte for so many years, but his actions were still extremely skillful.
It can be seen that he has put a lot of effort and effort into this character.
When Chaplin finished the performance, the laughter during the meal had not dissipated for a long time. Premier Zhou signaled everyone to add a few dishes, but Chaplin immediately stood up and said:
I want to ask for some more Chinese roast duck, it tastes really good. It seems that I will change my eating habits in the future.
Following Chaplin's words, everyone packed him a portion of Beijing roast duck.
Then, he walked with Premier Zhou excitedly with the roast duck. Premier Zhou asked Chaplin about his meal today and was satisfied.
Chaplin first smiled, and then said, "I'm still a little dissatisfied. I haven't eaten enough of the ducks today!"
(Beijing Roast Duck)
Premier Zhou was deeply moved by the optimism and straightforwardness of the comedy master. As a "warrior" who once used movies to promote advanced ideas, Chaplin is now full of white hair.
Looking at the white-haired old man in front of him, it is difficult for people to associate him with the funny and classic homeless man Charol. Hollywood may forget Chaplin and his movies, but the Chinese people will never forget those "just people" who were once.
When he was about to leave, Chaplin told Premier Zhou that if he had the opportunity in the future, he still hoped to go to New China to take a look. He really hoped to see with his own eyes the "new life" of the Chinese people after the founding of New China . Perhaps these experiences will also provide a lot of material for his subsequent creations.
is just a backfire. For various reasons, Chaplin's "trip to China" has never become a reality, while Chaplin's movies and stories have been circulating on this land in another form for a long time.
Perhaps, this is the elusive "fate" between this comedy master and China.
The news that Chaplin met with Prime Minister Zhou in Switzerland was spread to the world through newspapers. When leaders of the Western world saw that Chaplin and Prime Minister Zhou were sitting together and drinking and talking, they were almost so angry that their hair stood upright.
In the United States in the 1950s, "McCarthyism" created a large number of white horror scenes in the United States. Chaplin's works were once banned by the US authorities, and it was not until later that they were gradually "released".
In January 1976, Premier Zhou died of illness in Beijing. After Chaplin learned the news, he sent a message of condolences to the Chinese government as soon as possible. As a comedian, Chaplin's behavior does not represent any political group or has any political purpose.
He did this just to mourn a former friend, a respected great man, but his behavior seemed to demonstrate the purity and nobility of " proletarian friendship" from another perspective.
Early in the morning of Christmas in 1977, Chaplin's family was about to wake him up as usual, but when people walked into Chaplin's bed, they found that Chaplin was no longer breathing in his sleep.
Chaplin left without any illness at the age of 88.
(Chaplin in the movie)
After Chaplin's death, media from all over the world have been reviewing his life in various forms. Most Western media have recognized that Chaplin is a great artist and an excellent comedian.
But they did not mention the cause that Chaplin loved most in his life, as if all this really did not exist. Only a few countries such as China and the Soviet Union added the content of his "heart care for workers" to the news of Chaplin's death.
The comedy master spent his whole life pursuing did not receive attention in the land where he grew up.
And his ideals and beliefs bloomed bright and moving flowers in the distant East. Chaplin never set foot on the land of New China in his life, but when we mention the most noble beliefs of mankind, we always think of him.
(Chaplin)
As early as the writings of the Soviet writer Ostrovsky , people saw a great and shining ideal.
Today, this ideal is approaching infinitely to reality. When people look at the far east with their telescopes, they will see the fire of stars at the end of the horizon.
"Fairness and justice, opposition to oppression" will always be the fundamental driving force for the development and progress of human society.
This was the case in the past, now, and the future will be the case!
When the majestic " Internationale " resounds in everyone's ears, people seem to hear the same voice, which is a voice that constantly strives for their ideals and is not afraid of sacrifice, and it is a "trumpet" sounded to liberate all mankind.
This goal will eventually be achieved, and this voice will become more and more powerful with the pace of time, and will go further and further...
References:
"A friendship between Premier Zhou and Chaplin" 1
"An unforgettable friendship between Premier Zhou and Chaplin" Feng Xiaowei
""Liang Shanbo" meets Chaplin" Yuan Zhang
"Diplomatic art of Premier Zhou at the Geneva meeting 《Li Yaping
《Premier Zhou attended the Geneva meeting》Liu Wusheng
《Premier Zhou’s banquet for Chaplin》Shu Jun
《Premier Zhou’s banquet for Chaplin》》Literary and historical Spring and Autumn
《Premier Zhou invited Chaplin to eat roast duck》Tang Jun
《Premier Zhou, Chaplin and Roast Duck》Yuan Shiliang
Editor: Zhuojiu
Editor: Lin Hua
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