Join Professor Frank Scheide on a captivating journey through the life and legacy of Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin, one of the most influential figures in film history. This course offers an in-depth exploration of Chaplin’s iconic career, focusing particularly on his seminal work, The Gold Rush, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Through engaging lectures and discussions, students will uncover the creative genius behind Chaplin’s beloved screen persona, the Tramp. We will examine the origins of The Gold Rush, investigating the inspiration and challenges faced during its production. Key themes, character motivations, and conflicts will be analyzed to understand how Chaplin’s artistry transcended the silent film era, leaving an indelible mark on cinema. With insights from Professor Scheide’s coeditor of Chaplin: The Dictator and the Tramp and author of Introductory Film Criticism: A Historical Perspective,  students will gain a unique perspective on Chaplin’s work and its cultural impact.

This course is ideal for film enthusiasts and anyone interested in the evolution of cinematic storytelling. (During the last session, the group will watch the movie, The Gold Rush.)

Special Notes:

This class will meet in person at the OLLI offices, located at 481 S. Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.

Class changes occasionally happen, please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.

Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:

OLLI HQ, 481 S. Shiloh Dr., Fay 72704

Instructor:

Frank Milo Scheide

Professor Scheide co-edited, with Hooman Mehran, the books Chaplin: The Dictator and the Tramp, and Chaplin's Limelight and the Music Hall Tradition. He is the author of a textbook entitled Introductory Film Criticism: A Historical Perspective, and his catalog of out-takes from films made by Charles Chaplin between 1916 and 1952, has been published on-line by the British Film Institute in London, England. Professor Scheide's research has been published in Free Speech Yearbook, Journal of Communication Studies, and The Velvet Light Trap Review of the Cinema. He was project director for the award-winning PBS documentary, The Keetoowahs Come Home.

Room: Training Room, 159

Cost:

Tuition $40.00
Member Tuition $25.00

Study Group (2-3 session | Registration opens Tuesday, February 4, 2025 10:00 AM

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas (OLLI). Our mission is to provide a community of adults with a lifelong learning venue that promotes intellectual and cultural growth through exploration and discussion via diverse, high quality and affordable educational programs.

If not a member, don’t worry, you can join by clicking on this Olli membership link. Then create an account, and select your membership type. If at any time you need assistance, please contact us at 479-575-4545 or by email at [email protected]