CORSIER VEVEY: More than 400 people donning black bowler hats, toothbrush moustaches and canes gathered in Switzerland on Sunday seeking to break the record for the biggest ever assembly of Charlie Chaplin lookalikes.

The unusual rally, drawing Chaplin fans of all ages, took place at a museum dedicated to the legendary filmmaker at his former home in Corsier-sur-Vevey in western Switzerland.

Timed to mark the 10th anniversary of the museum’s opening, the gathering in the end drew 429 Chaplin lookalikes, falling short of the world record set there in 2017, when 662 people took part. But that did not dampen the mood.

Under a blazing sun, the Chaplins crowded together to form a giant number 10 on the lawn stretching before the large manor where the English movie icon spent the last 25 years of his life.

“I am sincerely the happiest man alive,” said Anthony Champeil, a dapper 36-year-old Frenchman who looked the spitting image of Chaplin, explaining that he was an actor who often played the film legend on stage. “We are at Chaplin’s place with people who are passionate about Chaplin,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026