Linder, Max

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LINDER, MAX

LINDER, MAX (originally Gabriel-Maximillien Leuvielle ; 1883–1925), French silent movie comedy star. Linder was born in Saint-Loubès to a family of vintners. His first film was Première Sortie d'un Collegién (1905); thereafter he turned out perhaps one film every week or so, to 1914. The character of the natty, slightly run-down, but highly-spirited Max achieved worldwide renown, inspiring Charlie Chaplin to develop a similar character early in his career. Linder fought in World War i, permanently impairing his health and affecting his emotional stability. His last film was Roi du Cirque (1925). Few copies of his films have been saved.

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