This film is not Chaplin's best. In fact, this Keystone production lacks the depth & heart & sympathy which Charlie's Little Tramp would evolve too. This is not surprising when you consider this is still early in Charlies career.
The film is built around slap stick. That is because Mack Sennett was actually working with Charlie at this point & Mack's trademark slap stick comedy is evident. Charlie is obviously still learning the film making craft here. He is evolving towards the classic character he would reach in a few short years of making comedy shorts.
While not Chaplins best, the film does get some laughs with some scenes like the beer spilled in Charlies pants, Charlie ogles the show girls, Charlie shows up the strong man, etc. The punching & abusing the old stage hand man is a little extreme but it is quite obvious that the makeup is hiding the fact the guy is younger than he looks. Look for the Mack Sennett signs back stage. They include "Actors- Do Not Pose In Front of Your Posters" & "If You Act Is Rotten, Do Not Take It Out On The Props".
This films tells you that Chaplin studied Sennett in this period & within a short time moved beyond his type of slap stick.
The film is built around slap stick. That is because Mack Sennett was actually working with Charlie at this point & Mack's trademark slap stick comedy is evident. Charlie is obviously still learning the film making craft here. He is evolving towards the classic character he would reach in a few short years of making comedy shorts.
While not Chaplins best, the film does get some laughs with some scenes like the beer spilled in Charlies pants, Charlie ogles the show girls, Charlie shows up the strong man, etc. The punching & abusing the old stage hand man is a little extreme but it is quite obvious that the makeup is hiding the fact the guy is younger than he looks. Look for the Mack Sennett signs back stage. They include "Actors- Do Not Pose In Front of Your Posters" & "If You Act Is Rotten, Do Not Take It Out On The Props".
This films tells you that Chaplin studied Sennett in this period & within a short time moved beyond his type of slap stick.