Nat King Cole - Smile (accompanied by scenes from Charlie Chaplin's 'Modern Times')

NOTE: The video here features scenes that I've colorized from the 1936 silent comedy film 'Modern Times' starring Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard in which his iconic Little Tramp character struggles to survive in the modern, industrialized world. I've added SMILE sung by NAT KING COLE, a song based on an instrumental theme used in the soundtrack for Charlie Chaplin's 1936 film Modern Times. It was COMPOSED BY CHAPLIN.

Charlie Chaplin, the iconic silent film star and one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema, was born on April 16, 1889, in London, England. From humble beginnings, Chaplin rose to become a global icon, captivating audiences with his comedic genius and creating some of the most memorable characters in film history.

Chaplin's early life was marked by hardship and poverty. His parents, both music hall performers, struggled to make ends meet, and young Charlie found himself working on stage from a very early age. Despite the challenges he faced, Chaplin's natural talent for comedy and performance shone through, and he quickly gained a reputation as a rising star in the British music hall scene.

In 1914, Chaplin made the move to Hollywood, where he began his career in the nascent film industry. It was here that he created his most famous character, the Tramp, a lovable vagrant with a heart of gold and a penchant for mischief. With his signature bowler hat, cane, and toothbrush mustache, the Tramp became an instant icon, and Chaplin's films, such as "The Gold Rush," "City Lights," and "Modern Times," became classics of the silent era.

Beyond his work on screen, Chaplin was also a talented composer, writer, and director. He maintained creative control over his films, which allowed him to infuse them with his unique blend of comedy, pathos, and social commentary. Though he faced controversy and political persecution later in life due to his outspoken views and personal scandals, Chaplin's legacy as a pioneering artist and a true icon of cinema remains unassailable. On the anniversary of his birth, we remember and celebrate the life and work of this remarkable man.

SMILE

The instrumental was inspired by Puccini's Tosca.

John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons added the lyrics and title in 1954.

In the lyrics, based on lines and themes from the film, the singer is telling the listener to cheer up and that there is always a bright tomorrow, just as long as they smile.

"Smile" has become a popular standard since its original use in Chaplin's film and has been recorded by numerous artists but it was Nat King Cole who first recorded a version with lyrics.

It charted in 1954, reaching number 10 on the Billboard charts and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.