In July 1954, Premier Zhou led a delegation to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend an international conference and stayed at the Huashan Villa on the shores of Lake Lémon arranged by the Swiss side.
In order to be active in the cultural life during his stay in Switzerland, the Swiss side arranged a special film in the villa, which was directed and starred by the comedy master Chaplin himself, "City Lights".
After Reading it, Premier Zhou said that Chaplin was worthy of being an artist, and the film scolded some mercenary capitalists and exposed the social situation that the people at the bottom were oppressed and could only endure helplessly.
The staff told Premier Zhou that Chaplin was persecuted by the US government and ostracized by the US capital market because he made progressive films and participated in the progressive cultural movement, and he could no longer live in the United States, but he was unwilling to give in, and now he is exiled to Switzerland and continues to engage in progressive cultural undertakings.
Premier Zhou had some understanding of Chaplin's situation very early on, and he also admired his films, and when he heard that he was now in Switzerland, he proposed to meet Chaplin and feast on him here.
After Chaplin received the invitation letter from Premier Zhou, he was a little frightened and very excited, and on that day, he brought his wife to the banquet.
It was a unique dinner party, the staff made serious preparations, and when the Chaplins got off at the Huashan Villa, Premier Zhou was already waiting at the door.
Chaplin originally thought that such a high-ranking leader as Premier Zhou would definitely arrange for staff to receive him, and then take him to meet Premier Zhou, but unexpectedly, Premier Zhou personally stood at the door to greet them, which made Chaplin flattered and admired Premier Zhou spontaneously.
Before the banquet began, Premier Zhou briefed Chaplin on the situation of the Geneva Conference and china's socialist construction, and Chaplin listened very carefully, and the two also watched the movie "People on the Steppe" that we brought from China.
Premier Zhou fully affirmed Chaplin's position against war and aggression, saying that he was a strong and optimistic fighter, saying that his works were popular with peace-loving people around the world and calling him a master of art.
In short, both sides of the banquet were very happy, and Chaplin did not expect that he could receive such a warm hospitality from Premier Zhou. You know, Chaplin has also seen many government officials before, and their arrogance and rudeness make Chaplin very annoying.
The gentle and gentle gentlemanly demeanor of Premier Zhou made Chaplin see the broad mind of the new Chinese government and people, and made Chaplin, who originally hated capitalists and longed for socialism, more determined and confident in the struggle against capitalism.
At the banquet, Chaplin also improvised a performance, humorous movements, exaggerated eyes, let everyone present laugh, Premier Zhou also laughed very happily.
After laughing, Premier Zhou also said to the actors of the Chinese film delegation attending the banquet: "You all have to study well, this is the most well-known art master in the world today, and your performance level must be on par with the art masters in order to prosper the artistic cause of New China." ”
Before leaving, Chaplin, who was still unsatisfied, looked at the Moutai wine on the table and said to Premier Zhou: "Mr. Premier, can you give me a bottle of Moutai wine?" ”
Premier Zhou smiled and said to Chaplin: "Of course I am very happy to give you a bottle, and besides, this is what we can do." ”
Premier Zhou immediately had two bottles of Moutai wine filled and brought to Chaplin.
In addition, Premier Zhou learned that Chaplin's children also wanted to attend the banquet, but Chaplin was afraid that they did not understand etiquette and ruined the atmosphere of the banquet, so he let them wait at home, and Premier Zhou immediately arranged for the back kitchen to install a Beijing roast duck for Chaplin to bring back to the children to eat.
Chaplin was completely conquered by Premier Zhou's carefulness, and he did not expect that the prime minister of a country would be so careful and take care of people, which made Chaplin very moved and excitedly say: "Today is an unforgettable day of my life!" ”
In the end, Premier Zhou took a group photo with Chaplin and signed his name on the back of the photo.
Today, this precious photograph is stored in the Memorial Hall of Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, and has become a witness to the friendship between Zhou Enlai and Chaplin.
Soon after, the Chinese Art Troupe was invited to participate in the Paris Arts Festival, chaplin overcame layers of resistance, personally flew to Paris, watched the performance of the Chinese Art Troupe on the spot, and made an exception after the performance of the China Art Troupe, made wonderful comments, praising the rapid development of the new China's theater industry, making this performance a great success.
(References: Zhou Enlai under the Prism, People's Political Consultative Conference Daily)