Conversation with Frank Scheide and Cecilia Cenciarelli

Dossier Jerry Epstein

Jerome ‘Jerry’ Epstein was just starting his influential Circle Theater in Los Angeles in 1946 when he first met Charlie Chaplin, and the two quickly became lifelong friends. His personal relationship with Lady Chaplin and the children also developed, through the years, into something quite unique, as reflected in the vast and interesting correspondence preserved by Association Chaplin. Epstein’s wit, his talent for recollection and anecdote offer a privileged point of view on Chaplin’s personal and professional life throughout the ‘Swiss years’. Reading Epstein’s letters clearly reveals to what extent Chaplin relied on him to overcome the obstacles involved in his ‘new beginning’ as a filmmaker in an unfamiliar environment and, for the first time in almost 40 years, with restricted artistic freedom. Assisting Chaplin in many capacities – assistant screenwriter and director, scouting and production manager, secretary and factotum – Epstein undeniably contributed to fill the emotional gap Chaplin must have experienced in leaving all his historical collaborators behind.
Written from the perspective of confidante, film collaborator and fellow victim of McCarthyism, Jerry Epstein’s 1989 book Remembering Charlie is one of the best biographies describing Chaplin’s life from 1946 to 1977. To produce this book Epstein shared his memories with film critic Geoff Brown through a series of audio taped interviews which Jerry’s secretary, Brenda Watkinson, transcribed. Thanks to Brenda Watkinson, Geoff Brown, and the late author’s estate, it was possible to compile a presentation featuring the voice of Jerry Epstein describing his own life and experiences with Charlie Chaplin up to and including the time he worked as an assistant producer on Limelight.

Cecilia Cenciarelli, Frank Scheide