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"Smile"

Date confirmed by the fact that “both ‘Childhood’ and ‘Smile’ were recorded live with an orchestra at the Hit Factory on the same day” (Mike Smallcombe, “Making Michael”), and “Smile” was recorded on “29 March 1995” (François Allard and Richard Lecocq’s “Michael Jackson: All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track”)

David Foster, co-producer, “The Official Michael Jackson Opus” (December 7, 2009) (archived)

Michael often told me that “Smile” was one of his favorite recordings. I remember we were in the studio, and I came up with the idea at the end of the song to have the piano sound old, like in an old movie theater, with the sound slowly disappearing. Michael told me it would work magically with the short film he had planned for the song. He would walk away from the camera just like Charlie Chaplin did at the end of his movies. He loved Chaplin, said he saw a lot of himself in him.

Rob Hoffman, studio engineer, “Gearslutz” forum (June 27, 2009) (archived)

During the recording of "Smile" on HIStory, Bruce thought it would be great if Michael would sing live with The Orchestra. But of course, we didn't tell the players that. We set him up in a vocal booth off to the side. They rehearsed a bit without vocals in, then during the first take Michael sang, just about knocked them out of their chairs.

Chris Cadman, author, “Michael Jackson the Maestro”

Scheduled for release as a single in the UK/ Europe and other countries (not including the USA), as the last single from DANGEROUS, in December 1997 – release cancelled, against Michael’s wishes.

Promo copies with shortened version issued, some featuring a rare and highly sought after picture sleeve depicting Michael dressed as Charlie Chaplin.

Promo short film, including footage of Charlie Chaplin, believed to have been shot – remains unreleased.

Michael would be disguised in the character of the Tramp and a young boy as the Kid. Then with the use of CGI, Michael would feature in some scenes from Chaplin’s well known movie ‘The Tramp’.