The Tramp (film)

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The Tramp
The Tramp poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Charlie Chaplin
Written byCharlie Chaplin
Produced by Jess Robbins
StarringCharlie Chaplin
Edna Purviance
Cinematography Harry Ensign
Edited byCharlie Chaplin
Distributed by Essanay Studios
General Film Company
Release date
  • April 11, 1915 (1915-04-11)
Running time
26 minutes
Country United States
Language Silent (English intertitles)

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.

Contents

Plot

The poignant last scene in The Tramp was filmed in Niles Canyon. The Tramp (film).jpg
The poignant last scene in The Tramp was filmed in Niles Canyon.

The 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

Charlie Chaplin as "The Tramp" during the film

Reception

The 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]

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References

  1. "Progressive Silent Film List: The Tramp". silentera.com. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
  2. "Official Cut-Outs by the Chicago Board of Censors". Exhibitors Herald. 6 (14). New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company: 29. March 30, 1918.

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