Different strokes, yet glorified artists in their own right with a common denominator – “To be the Alpha Male”. The epitome of mental effulgence vs the epitome of physical resplendence.. mind vs matter…Entertainment proposed and sports willfully accepted. What followed was a long forgotten ball sparring battle.
Representing the sporting fraternity was Britain’s war hero Maxwell Woosnam, whose all-round sports kitty included a Wimbledon title, an Olympic Gold (Men’s Doubles), the prestige of captaining the English Football team and a century (of runs!) at Lords.
His competitor from the world of entertainment, the ever-popular Charlie Chaplin – a comedian par excellence who brought laughter to millions around the world in war torn times.
The venue was Charlie’s Hollywood estate where a week long invitational included a game of tennis and table tennis.
Round 1:
Woosnam and Charlie took to the tennis courts and once the battle commenced, all the hospitalities and flatteries were buried in the lush greens . A couple of serves and volleys (mostly from the one side!!) and it was game,set and match for Charlie . The scores have escaped the record books but one cant help but wonder about the origins of the Golden Bagel ?. A “comedy” of errors was all the showman had to offer.
Sports 1 Entertainment 0
Round 2:
Once bitten, twice shy?…Not Charlie…only the size of courts and balls were reduced by some proportion. On to a game of table tennis. Charlie serves and Woosnam returns but err.. with a “BUTTERKNIFE” flipped right out of his pocket in exchange for a racquet. You could be forgiven to think that an even contest is on the cards . Ping pong and Charlie’s long gone!!.
Sports 2 Entertainment 0
Round 3:
This may not classify as a ball game , more so a “brawl” game. Charlie all suited up and ready to deliver a pre-dinner speech to entertain the gathering. Max had other ideas, looking to give the master a taste of his own medicine. A feather push and Charlie’s into the swimming pool looking like a good humoured fool . He pops out twitching his mustache. The crowd is sprawling with laughter and in all honesty the purpose is served . All’s well that ends well!
Sports 3 Entertainment 0 (maybe a touch unfairly but what the hell!)
Charlie Chaplin went back to doing what he does best and delivered some of the most beautiful pieces of comedy in years to come and Max Woosnam went about smoking his Capstan Full cigarettes , throwing and catching them balls!
Though Charlie did win one at the boxing ring :)
