The Charlie Chaplin

On this day in 1978, two dim-witted auto mechanics stole silent movie star Charlie Chaplin's body from its burial place in Switzerland. The two men, desperate for money, then sent a ransom note to Chaplin's widow, promising her the return of his body if she would pay them $600,000. She responded by telling them that Charlie would have thought the demand was ridiculous, and she refused to pay. The police caught up with the thugs a few weeks later and recovered Chaplin's body.

While this story is interesting, I think the most interesting aspect was Charlie's plucky widow. Oona O'Neill Chaplin was the daughter of playwright Eugene O'Neill and was Chaplin's fourth wife. She married the 54 year old actor when she was just eighteen years old and bore him eight children. (Note to thugs: Women who have cared for husbands thirty six years their senior and have wiped the noses of eight whining children are not much given to sentimentality. Good luck getting anything from these Iron Ladies, except maybe a punch in the face.)

So, Charlie. We toast you. It's good to have you back where you belong.

The Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

1 measure apricot brandy

1 measure sloe gin

1 measure lime juice (fresh, or Rose's lime if you prefer a sweeter drink)

Pour all ingredients into a martini shaker filled with ice and shake until frosted. Pour into a 4 ounce martini glass and garnish with a lime twist if desired.