comedy / USA / Noir & blanc / status : completed / short film / International collections
“Nothing is permanent in this wicked world – not even our troubles.”
Charles Chaplin
7 short films produced between 1918 and 1922.
In early 1918, Charles Chaplin signed a contract with the newly-formed First National Exhibitors’ Circuit. His first project under this agreement was A DOG’S LIFE, marking the beginning of a period where Charles Chaplin enjoyed significant creative freedom. This era was pivotal for Charles Chaplin as he used the opportunity to experiment with longer, more ambitious works. At the same time, he began laying the groundwork to co-found United Artists, which would offer him even more control over his films and their distribution, solidifying his status as a true auteur in cinema.
A DOG’S LIFE • 35’ • 2K
Thanks to the dog he finds, Charlie ends up in possession of some stolen loot. But the wrongdoers want their ill-gotten gains back.
SHOULDER ARMS • 38’ • 2K
Enlisted during the First World War, Charlie discovers the hard life of the trenches and the dangers of combat.
SUNNYSIDE • 30’ • 4K
Charlie is a farm labourer who’ll try anything to win over his pretty neighbour but ends up spending a lot of time in dreamland.
A DAY’S PLEASURE • 19’ • 4K
Charlie decides to take his wife and children on a boat trip. But the family car proves somewhat recalcitrant.
THE IDLE CLASS • 29’ • 4K
Charlie is the spitting image of a rich woman’s drunk husband. At a masked ball, her inability to distinguish one from the other leads to much confusion.
PAY DAY • 22’ • 4K
Charlie is a bricklayer who sets off to celebrate pay day with his pals. But his wife is waiting with the rolling pin.
THE PILGRIM • 41’ • 2K
Having escaped from prison, Charlie disguises himself as a pastor. In a village he’s mistaken for the new curate.
More info on the films here