On Sunday, more than 400 people in black bowler hats, brush moustaches and walking sticks gathered in Switzerland to break the record for the most Charlie Chaplin look-alikes in history.
An unusual rally, attended by Chaplin fans of all ages, took place at the museum dedicated to the legendary film director, located in his former home in Corsier-sur-Vevey in western Switzerland.
The event, which marked the museum's 10th anniversary, ultimately attracted 429 Chaplin look-alikes, less than the world record set there in 2017, when 662 people took part.
But this did not spoil the mood.
Under the blazing sun, the Chaplins huddled together to form a giant number 10 on the lawn in front of the large estate where the English film star spent the last 25 years of her life.
«"I'm genuinely the happiest man in the world," said Anthony Champey, a dapper 36-year-old Frenchman who bears a striking resemblance to Chaplin, explaining that he is an actor who often plays the film legend on stage.
«"We are in Chaplin's house with people who love Chaplin with all their hearts," he told AFP.
Suggesting that Chaplin wanted to encourage people to retain their childish capacity for wonder and play for as long as possible, he mused that the actor would have liked it if hundreds of "grown-up children" had gathered here today.
«"I find it delightful.".
The museum is located on the sprawling Manoir de Ban estate, about 26 kilometres (16 miles) from Lausanne, where Chaplin lived with his wife Oona and eight children until his death in 1977 at the age of 88.
He moved to Switzerland after being barred from entering the United States in the 1950s because of suspected communist sympathies, at the height of Cold War paranoia about Soviet infiltration.
Alice Kaufman, who brought her young children to act as miniature chaplains, said Sunday's meeting was a "touching" sight.
She and other participants said the event reminded them of the humanist ideas Chaplin promoted in iconic films such as The Great Dictator, The Kid, and Modern Times.
«"He stood for love, respect and good values," she said.
52-year-old Sophie Teteul agreed.
«"I love Charlie Chaplin and I love this place," she told AFP.
«"I think it's wonderful that we can gather today, so many years after his passing. This is a wonderful moment in his honor.".
The organizers of Sunday's event also didn't seem too bothered by the fact that they failed to break the world record, which the museum already holds.
«"Nothing is lost," spokeswoman Olivia Baliget told AFP.
«Who knows, maybe we’ll try again next year or for the 20th anniversary.».
str-nl/jhb