Charlie in the Heartland Call For Papers

Call for Papers

Charlie in the Heartland

An International Charlie Chaplin Conference

October 28, 29, and 30, 2010

Ohio University Zanesville, Zanesville, OH USA

In keeping with the theme of the conference, "Charlie in the Heartland," which was chosen to commemorate Chaplin's first trip to the United States with Fred Karno's Comedians in October, 1910, we are seeking papers in a wide range of areas, all to do with Chaplin, his relationship with, influence on, or evocation of America, either during or after his long residence here.

The following topics are meant to generate ideas for presentations, not limit creativity or exclude participation:

Maland's Chaplin and American Culture 30 Years Later

Reconsidering "Chaplinitis"

From Karno to Keystone: Eliding the Music Hall Stage and the Silent Screen

American Vaudeville Audiences of the 1910s-- A Herald of Silent Film Popularity?

Chaplin's Company: Who were Charlie's Character Actors and What Were Their Influences?

Vulgar Film Comedy as High Art.

Chaplin and Public Appearance:  A Reconsideration of the Liberty Bond Tour

 The Chaplin Imitator Phenomenon

Film Audience Reception in the Heartland.

The Heartland Rebels:  Chaplin and the American Legion.

Brother Sydney Chaplin :  What Was the Magnitude of His Impact?

The Representation of America or Americans in the Films of Charlie Chaplin.

Chaplin's Little Tramp and the Beat Generation in America.

Individual papers or full panels are welcome to submit proposals.

Please send a 500-word abstract, a short bio and your contact information to Lisa Stein, Assistant Professor of English, OU-Zanesville, 1425 Newark Road, Zanesville, OH 43701 or via email by April 1, 2010.  Graduate and undergraduate students are welcome to submit. 

N. B. We have tried to make this an accessible conference for young scholars by offering several low-cost housing options, as well as a reduced registration rate.  We will also have a student travel grant available for applicants.  Check back in early 2010.