“Making A Living” is a silent comedy film directed by Henry Lehrman and released in 1914. The film stars Charlie Chaplin in his first film role for Keystone Studios, where he would go on to become a major star.

The film follows the exploits of Chaplin’s character, a swindler named Edgar English, who is trying to make a living by any means necessary. He starts off by trying to sell a fake stock certificate to a wealthy man, but when that fails, he tries his hand at journalism, posing as a reporter to get a scoop on a local murder case.

Along the way, Edgar English gets into all sorts of comical situations, including accidentally sitting on a woman’s hat and getting into a fight with a rival journalist. Despite his best efforts, however, he is never able to make a real success of himself, and by the end of the film, he is back to his old tricks, trying to swindle someone out of their money.

Despite its relatively simple plot, “Making A Living” is notable for introducing many of the comedic elements that would become hallmarks of Chaplin’s later work. The film features Chaplin’s signature tramp costume, as well as his distinctive physical humor and facial expressions. It also showcases his talent for improvisation and his ability to turn even the most mundane situations into comedy gold.

While “Making A Living” was not a huge commercial success upon its initial release, it helped to establish Chaplin as a rising star in the world of silent comedy, paving the way for many of his most famous films in the years to come.

Directors:
Henry Lehrman

Writer:
Reed Heustis

Stars:
Charles Chaplin, Emma Clifton, Chester Conklin

“Cops” is a silent comedy film directed by Edward F. Cline and Buster Keaton, and released in 1922. The film follows the misadventures of a young man, played by Buster Keaton, who accidentally finds himself on the wrong side of the law.

The film begins with Buster Keaton’s character, who is referred to only as “The Boy,” trying to impress a young woman by pretending to be a successful businessman. However, his attempts at showing off his wealth backfire when he accidentally locks himself out of his own house and is forced to climb through a window to get back in. Unbeknownst to him, the house has just been burglarized, and when he emerges from the window, he is mistaken for the thief by a passing policeman.

The rest of the film follows The Boy as he tries to evade the police and clear his name. Along the way, he gets into all sorts of comical situations, including accidentally setting off a chain of events that causes chaos in the streets and inadvertently getting involved in a high-speed chase.

Despite his best efforts, The Boy eventually ends up in jail, where he makes a daring escape and ends up causing even more trouble on the streets. The film culminates in a hilarious chase sequence, as The Boy and a gang of police officers pursue each other through the city streets.

In the end, The Boy is able to clear his name and win the affection of the young woman he was trying to impress at the beginning of the film. “Cops” is considered one of Buster Keaton’s most iconic films, and is notable for its inventive stunts and hilarious physical comedy.

Directors:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Writer:
Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline

Stars:
Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline, Virginia Fox

“Coney Island” is a 1917 silent comedy film directed by Roscoe Arbuckle and starring Arbuckle, Mabel Normand, and Al St. John. The film is set at the famous Coney Island amusement park in New York, and follows the antics of a group of characters who work and play there.

Arbuckle plays a bumbling waiter named Fatty who has a crush on a beautiful dancer named Mabel (Normand). Mabel is also pursued by a wealthy playboy named Larry (St. John), who competes with Fatty for her affections.

As the story unfolds, the characters become embroiled in a series of humorous misadventures, including mistaken identities, pranks, and a wild ride on a rollercoaster. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of supporting characters, including a strongman, a fortune teller, and a pickpocket.

“Coney Island” is known for its slapstick humor and fast-paced action, as well as the chemistry between Arbuckle and Normand, who were frequent collaborators in silent comedy. The film is also notable for its early use of location shooting and its depiction of the vibrant culture and atmosphere of Coney Island during the early 20th century.

Directors:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle

Writer:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle

Stars:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, Joe Bordeaux

“Back Stage” is a 1919 silent film directed by Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle and starring Arbuckle and Buster Keaton. The film is a comedy that takes place in a theater, with Arbuckle playing the role of a stagehand named Merton who dreams of becoming a performer.

Merton is in love with the leading lady of the theater troupe, but she is already engaged to the villainous head of the theater. When the leading lady’s father dies and leaves her his fortune, Merton sees an opportunity to win her over by producing a lavish show that will showcase her talents.

Merton convinces the other stagehands to help him put on the show, but chaos ensues as they struggle with various mishaps and obstacles, including a misbehaving mechanical set and an escaped monkey. Despite the setbacks, the show is a success, and Merton wins the leading lady’s heart.

The film is notable for its slapstick humor and physical comedy, as well as for its use of visual gags and inventive stunts. It also features the comedic talents of Arbuckle and Keaton, two of the most popular comedians of the silent era.

Directors:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle

Writer:
Jean C. Havez

Stars:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, Al St. John

“A Jazzed Honeymoon” is a silent comedy film released in 1919, directed by Hal Roach and starring Harold Lloyd and Bebe Daniels as the lead characters.

The movie follows the story of a young couple, Harold and Bebe, who decide to take a honeymoon trip to the mountains. However, their plans are quickly derailed when they get caught up in a series of misadventures and comedic mishaps.

Along the way, they encounter a group of bootleggers, a runaway train, and a gang of robbers, all of which provide ample opportunities for slapstick humor and physical comedy. Despite the chaos, Harold and Bebe manage to stay together and emerge victorious in the end.

The film is notable for its innovative use of special effects and visual gags, which would become trademarks of Harold Lloyd’s later work. It also features a lively jazz soundtrack, which adds to the film’s upbeat and energetic tone.

“A Jazzed Honeymoon” was a popular success upon its release and helped to establish Harold Lloyd as one of the leading comedic actors of the silent era. The film’s humor and charm continue to entertain audiences today, making it a classic of early American cinema.

Directors:
Hal Roach

Writer:
H.M. Walker

Stars:
Harold Lloyd, ‘Snub’ Pollard, Bebe Daniels