Albert Austin

Albert Austin ( 13 December 1881 – 17 August 1953 ) was an English -American actor, director and screenwriter, known for his appearance in a number of Charlie Chaplin films . He was the brother of actor William Austin. Born in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. Performed in music hall. In 1910, he went to the United States with Charlie Chaplin as part of Fred Karno's troupe . His appearance was notable for his huge, down-curved moustache. From 1916, he worked with Chaplin, appearing in minor roles in many of his films, and also working as an assistant director. After the advent of the sound era, he turned to directing, mainly short comedy films. Among other things, he assisted Chaplin in developing the plot for The Adventurer (1917). As an actor, he appeared in Charlie Chaplin's comedies made at the Mutual Film Corporation. He later had bit parts in two of Chaplin's silent comedies made during the sound era: as a clown in The Circus (1928) and as a janitor and a burglar in City Lights (1931). Austin also appeared in several films starring Jackie Coogan and Mack Sennett . Austin's most famous role is as the watch-toting customer in Charlie Chaplin's short film The Pawnbroker's Shop , where his character enters the shop with an alarm clock, hoping to pawn it. To determine the watch's value, Chaplin dismantles it. Austin watches with a bemused expression as Chaplin's character gradually dismantles it, then hands the pieces to Austin. He also starred in Mary Pickford's Soapsuds ( 1920), in which he appeared without his comic black moustache. Διαβάστε Περισσότερα