Albert Einstein 72 - lunch At Universal Studios With Charlie Chaplin Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Charlie Chaplin whose real name was
Charles Chaplin, in his autobiography,
Gives a glowing account of his association
With Dr. Albert Einstein and his wife Elsa.

When Carl Laemmle of the Universal Studios
Informed Chaplin to say that Einstein was keen on
A meeting with him, Chaplin was delighted.
A lunch meeting was fixed at the Universal Studios.
Dr. Einstein came with his wife Elsa and his close associates
That included his Secretary- Helen Dukas,
And his Assistant Professor -Walter Meyer. After lunch,
Laemmle took them on a tour of the Universal Studios.

Charles Chaplin addressed Dr. Einstein as Professor!
Chaplin appreciated the way Professor Einstein's wife-
Elsa spoke English, which he opined was superior to
That of her husband Einstein. Chaplin writes about Elsa
'As a square-framed woman with abundant vitality,
Who frankly enjoyed being the wife of the great man
And made no attempt to hide the fact.'
Chaplin found her enthusiasm most endearing!

Later, Chaplin invited the Einsteins over to his house for dinner.
At dinner, Elsa gave an amusing account of the morning
When Dr.Einstein conceived the ‘Theory of Relativity'!
Chaplin listened with rapt attention. Elsa related her story thus:
' The Doctor came down in his dressing gown as usual for breakfast,
But he hardly touched a thing. I thought something was wrong,
So, I asked what was troubling him.
'Darling' he said: I have a wonderful idea.'

'And after drinking his coffee,
He went to the piano and started playing.
Now and again, he would stop,
Making a few notes, Then repeat:
' I have got a wonderful idea, a marvellous idea! '
‘I said: Then for goodness' sake tell me what it is,
Don't keep me in suspense.'
He said: It is difficult, I still have to work it out.'

'He then went upstairs to his study,
Telling her that he did not want to be disturbed,
And remained there for two weeks.
Each day she sent up his meals.
Eventually, he came down from his study
Looking very pale. 'That's it' he told me wearily,
Putting two sheets of paper on the table.
And that was his 'theory of relativity'.'

A pleasure, indeed, to hear of the meeting of two
Famous personalities from the Autobiographical
Book of the world-renowned Actor - Charles Chaplin;
And how Dr. Einstein conceived ' The Theory of Relativity'!
Both these powerful men lived a rich, fruitful life,
Of enormous contributions to the entire world.
Wonderful to know that they bonded so beautifully
During their life's precious moments with amazing friendship!

A Biographical Poem