Charlie Chaplin The Mutual Comedies (DVD)

Directed by Charlie Chaplin

Starring: Charlie Chaplin, Eric Campbell, Edna Purviance, Lloyd Bacon, John Rand, Henry Bergman, Albert Austin, Leo White, Charlotte Mineau, Frank J Coleman
Contributors: Charlie Chaplin, Carl Davis, Henry P. Caulfield, Vincent Bryan, Maverick Terrell, William C. Foster, Rollie Totheroh
Studio: BFI
Genre: Classic
Main Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 2
Release Date: 25 May 2015
Originally Issued: 1917
No of Discs: 2
BBFC Cert: (PG) Parental Guidance.
Run Time: 341 minutes

Description

Collection of 12 silent short films made by Charlie Chaplin during his partnership with Mutual Films. In 'The Floorwalker' (1916), Chaplin causes chaos in a department store and then runs into a thieving employee with whom he shares an uncanny resemblance. In 'The Fireman' (1916), a fire chief (Eric Campbell) is advised to ignore the burning house of a local (Lloyd Bacon) so he can collect the insurance money.

But trouble ensues when another fire breaks out nearby. In 'The Vagabond' (1916), a violinist (Chaplin) meets and rescues a girl (Edna Purviance) from a gang of gypsies, only to have their relationship complicated by the arrival of an artist (Bacon). In 'One A.M.' (1916), Chaplin plays a young man who struggles around his house after a late night of drinking.

In 'The Count' (1916), Chaplin takes the place of a Count at a party after he is fired for burning his trousers. In 'The Pawnshop' (1916), a young assistant (Chaplin) battles with his fellow employee (John Rand) whilst terrorising his boss (Henry Bergman). In 'Behind the Screen' (1916), Chaplin plays a stagehand working in a film studio where three films are being shot simultaneously.

In 'The Rink' (1916), a waiter uses his lunch break to go roller skating. In 'Easy Street' (1917), the little tramp takes on the role of a police officer to maintain law and order in a slum. In 'The Cure' (1917), an alcoholic checks into a health spa to dire results.

In 'The Immigrant' (1917), two voyagers fall in love on their boat journey from Europe to America. In 'The Adventurer' (1917), Chaplin escapes from prison and falls in love with a wealthy young lady (Purviance), much to the annoyance of her current suitor (Campbell).

Special Features

• Interactive Menus
• Interviews: Carl Davis
• Commentary: Audio Commentary