Historically noted as Chaplin's first film he directed, wrote, edited, and starred in, Chaplin plays a ineffectual husband faced with the imposing oaf: Mack Swain. Swain is trying to make time with Charlie's wife, played by Mabel Normand (who co-wrote the film). The setting is in a park and soon it's apparent Swain is married also and the yolk is on him as they say. Chaplin goes through his drunk routine in a bar while Mabel receives a special delivery of what looks like a mannequin version of Mack Swain in the park. Chaplin arrives home and, being drunk of course, thinks the mannequin is real. It's here where the highlight of the film comes. Nineteen year old Mabel Normand must have been a sensation in those pajamas back in 1914. The film appears to follow a more logical progression than most Keystone Chaplin efforts. It's one of the earliest films of Chaplin with extensive footage of him engaging in physical comedy with prop(s). ** of 4 stars.
Review of Mabel's Married Life
