Sometimes we all need a little extra cash right? Sometimes we have debts to pay off and have to resort to creative methods to bring in some money. Sometimes people do bad things for money, like holding someone famous for ransom. Did you know that at one point in history, a corpse was held for ransom?

In 1978, two men stole the corpse of the film actor, Sir Charles Chaplin from a cemetary in Switzerland. They then proceeded to call Chaplain’s widow Oona, and demand a ransom of $600,000. But she didn’t give in, even with threats to her children. After a five week investigation, the two men were arrested and Chaplin’s body was returned. He was reburied in a concrete grave to prevent future theft attempts.

I tell you this story as a foundation to the dark comedy from High Octane Pictures, Stealing Chaplin. This film takes inspiration from that real-life event but brings it to modern day and places it in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s directed by British director Paul Tanter. It stars Simon Phillips and Doug Phillips who are also co-writers for the film. It was produced by Ken Bressers, who also plays a role in the film. But it wouldn’t be a Las Vegas film without an appearance by the legendary Wayne Newton.

Here is the synopsis to High Octane Pictures’ Stealing Chaplin:

Inspired by real events, two Las Vegas based con men dig up and steal the corpse of comedian Charlie Chaplin in order to ransom it. With the theft gaining the world’s attention and the reward rising daily, soon every local lowlife, criminal and dirty cop wants a piece of the action.

With it’s release LRM Online had a full (virtual) house with Paul Tanter, Simon and Doug Phillips, and Ken Bressers. These guys are hilarious and it was a very good time getting to talk with them about Stealing Chapin. We talk about the balance and pacing of the film. As well as their challenge in trying to shoot the scene where they steal the body. Also a funny story about how Doug really lost his tooth and how that had to be written in. You can check out the full interview down below!

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Stealing Chaplin is available now on all TVOD/Digital platforms.

Source: History Channel