MOVIES - Nov. 5, 1987

Charlie Chaplin’s best- known props--a bowler hat, cane and big shoes--will be offered at auction next month in London. Prices will be anything but funny, according to Christie’s auction house, which estimates bidding for the Chaplin memorabilia to start at $26,000. The props were part of Chaplin’s silent-screen trademark, along with a crumpled suit and waddling walk. Actor, writer and director, Chaplin--formally known as Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin--died in 1977.