The Tramp is the sixth film directed by Charlie Chaplin for Essanay Studios, released in 1915. It was Chaplin's fifth and final film produced at Essanay's Niles, California studio.[1] The Tramp marked the emergence of The Tramp character, a role Chaplin had played in earlier films but with a more emotional depth, showing a caring side towards others. The film also stars Edna Purviance as the farmer's daughter and Ernest Van Pelt as Edna's father. The outdoor scenes were filmed on location near Niles.
| The Tramp | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Charlie Chaplin |
| Written by | Charlie Chaplin |
| Produced by | Jess Robbins |
| Starring | Charlie Chaplin Edna Purviance |
| Cinematography | Harry Ensign |
| Edited by | Charlie Chaplin |
| Distributed by | Essanay Studios General Film Company |
Release date |
|
Running time | 26 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
Plot
editThe film begins with the Tramp walking down the road, narrowly escaping two cars. Seeking refuge on a farm, he faces various humorous situations, including a hobo trading his sandwich for a brick. The Tramp comes to the aid of a farmer's daughter who is harassed by a hobo. As the story unfolds, the Tramp engages in farm work, gets involved in a tiff with a farmhand, and foils a planned robbery. However, upon realizing the farmer's daughter is already in a relationship, the Tramp decides to leave, leaving a heartfelt letter behind. The film ends with the Tramp walking away alone on the road he came in.
Cast
edit- Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp
- Edna Purviance as Farmer's daughter
- Lloyd Bacon as Edna's fiancé/Second thief
- Leo White as First thief
- Bud Jamison as Third thief
- Ernest Van Pelt as Farmer, Edna's father
- Paddy McGuire as Farmhand
- Billy Armstrong as Minister
Reception
editThe Tramp faced cuts by city and state film censorship boards, including a scene of Chaplin sitting in a sewage drainage pipe after burning his posterior, cut by the Chicago Board of Censors.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Progressive Silent Film List: The Tramp". silentera.com. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
- ^ "Official Cut-Outs by the Chicago Board of Censors". Exhibitors Herald. 6 (14). New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company: 29. March 30, 1918.
External links
editData
Film
- The Tramp is available for free viewing and download at the Internet Archive
- The Tramp on YouTube