Hey gang!
This page is devoted to clips from Chaplin’s films. Because why listen to me blab about how great he is, when you can just see for yourself?
UPDATE (1/22/10): The Essanay Comedies
The clips below are from some of Chaplin’s Essanay films, some of which were filmed in Chicago, my new home away from home. They represent some of the best of Chaplin’s early work, and particularly evidence the evolution of the Tramp character. Enjoy!
This first clip is from “Work” (1915). There’s some interesting stuff here visually – particularly the bleak, Bergman-esque shot at 1:07.
This is “His New Job” (1915). Not one of my favorites, but it is Chaplin’s first film with Essanay. To me, it’s just a thinly veiled slap at Mack Sennett and Keystone Studios, his former employer with whom he had the baddest of blood.
This is one of the funnier options from Chaplin’s Essanay years: “By the Sea” (1915)
More to come!
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Introduction (1/20/10)
I’ll pop this section’s cherry by posting a few clips of Chaplin’s most famous work – scenes that you know about or have seen referenced elsewhere even if you’ve never seen a Chaplin film. Enjoy.
First, the wonderful boxing sequence from “City Lights” (1931). The fight choreography is sublime physical comedy.
Next, the famous “roll ballet” from “The Gold Rush” (1925). I know you’ll recognize this one.
Now for one you’ve definitely seen. The great “human cog” shot from “Modern Times” (1936), the film that made me a Chaplin fan many years ago. His first uber political film, about the dehumanization of modern machinery and factories.
Ah, and “The Circus” (1928), the primary inspiration for my show. This is a hilarious opening scene.
And, finally, a bit of drama. These are the touching final moments from “The Kid” (1920), when the fuzz comes to claim the Tramp’s adopted son, played by Jackie Coogan. Pay special attention to the music here, some of Chaplin’s best.
More video to come! Thanks for reading!
- Jack
