Walter Spies & Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin met  fellow artist Walter Spies, who was already a well-known German painter and musician living on the island. 

Walter Spies, a central figure in Bali’s artistic and anthroposophical community, guided Chaplin across the island, introducing him to traditional performances and Balinese village life. (Spies was arrested and imprisoned for abuse of minors in 1939. Chaplin’s familiarity with Walter Spies’ personal life is not clearly documented).

The Beginning of Bali’s Fame and Reputation as Paradise

Chaplin’s visit contributed greatly to the spread of Bali’s fame in the Western world.

Chaplin found his experiences in Bali compellingly different from Western norms. The island’s cultural richness influenced Chaplin deeply; it’s noted that this trip provided a break and creative inspiration amid his busy film career in Hollywood.

His visit came during a period when Bali was beginning to attract Western artists, writers, and intellectuals drawn to its unique culture and aesthetic allure.

His connection with Bali is part of the larger narrative of Western artists and intellectuals who visited Bali in the early 20th century, like Gregor Krause and Walter Spies, helping to establish its reputation as a paradise of creativity and unique traditions.

This burgeoning interest from high-profile figures like Chaplin played a role in attracting early waves of tourism to Bali, setting the stage for its later popularity as a global travel destination.

A 2-days Festival to Honor Charles the Great

Balinese ruler Anak Agung Ngurah Agung of Gianyar honored Charlie Chaplin with a grand two-day festival, referring to him fondly as “Charles the Great.” The festivities were arranged especially for Chaplin, and included performances and ceremonies that showcased Bali’s rich cultural traditions. Swedish reporter Annie Quensel, who accompanied Chaplin, noted the event’s exclusivity and the warmth of the Balinese hospitality extended to the famed actor.

Charlie wrote:

The finest view was that in front of the temple facade, where were stationed the band, men and women with their festive gongs, their stringed instruments and flutes, and, in front, the dancing girls in dazzling gold brocade and handsome adornments of fragrant temple flowers, tastefully arranged between the golden rays of the pearl-studded diadems. Now our eyes fell on the long, narrow hands, so in finitely full of expression in the dance, and now on the soles of small, brown feet, the rhythmic movements of which, were soon to charm us all.

What rhythm and what grace! Marvellous! Enchanting! […]

Here I could wish to remain for a month and indeed so long as never to quit the spot.’ he shouted. […]

I just wonder whether I was not a Balinese during some former existence,’ jested Charlie. […]

His friend Anne: In their hospitality the autocratic princes of Bali are far more democratic than any ruler in Europe. Where else will be found a prince who allows his people to take part in his private dance and theatrical performances?

His brother Sydney: The rajah who invited us to his palace is named Anak Agoeng Ngoerah Agoeng Agoeng Van Granjar. His position is the island’s Bestvurder. The outstanding points about him were his large watch and very heavy golden chain, which he keeps looking at. His desire to sell all the family heirlooms. Everything — going so far as to bring them down to the hotel. His politeness was of picking his teeth and his capacity for belching, which on the islands is considered very good manners and a sign to all hosts that the food is truly appreciated. So every banquet eventually turns into a belching competition.