Police (1916)

Police Poster

Charlie is released from prison and immediately swindled by a fake parson. A fellow ex-convict convinces Charlie to help burglarize a house.

Film Introduction
"Police" is a 1916 American quiet comical brief film written, directed, and starred in by the famous Charlie Chaplin. The movie was produced the Mutual Film Corporation and Chaplin's thirteenth production under their banner. The film consists of numerous classic examples of early slapstick funny, reflecting Chaplin's irreplaceable comedic style.

Main Plot
Chaplain features as an ex-convict who, upon his release from jail, is drawn back into a life of criminal activity due to desperation and economic scenarios. 'Charlie' is first encouraged by 'The Flop', a fellow launched detainee, to sneak and rob a house. Meanwhile, within the house, Mrs. Snooky Snoop, the cantankerous boarding home landlady, believes that 'Stout,' one of her renters, is hiding his recently won money in his room. She then works with 'The Thief' to locate and steal it.

Comical Set Pieces
Charlie and The Flop then perform a series of comical misadventures in their hapless attempts to rob the house. For instance, Charlie consumes a bottle of alcohol, misinterpreting it for water, and intoxicates himself, adding a funny measurement to the unfolding turmoil. More slapstick sequences unfold, such as Charlie concealing under a bed and being chased around your house by the householders and the police.

Resolution of the Plot
Looking for to escape, Charlie unconsciously boards a patrol wagon parked outside, and he is required to the police headquarters as an outcome. As the plot twist goes, he is then pardoned due to absence of proof and released. On his way out, he helps a woman, Edna, from a handbag snatcher. Influenced by Edna, he chooses to turn over a brand-new leaf and start a new life. Still, his past disobediences catch up to him, and he is implicated in the earlier house break-in when some of the stolen loot resurfaces. Nevertheless, an unforeseen revelation happens - Edna turns out to be Mrs. Snooky Snoop's child and vouches for Charlie's character.

Ending
In the end, Stony Heart, another lodger from the boarding home, admits that he stole the cash to get Mrs. Snoop's attention, therefore discharging Charlie. The film concludes with Charlie leaving the police station hand in hand with Edna, leaving his life of minor criminal activity behind him.

Overall Impact
"Police" is an exceptional example of early cinematic funny that showcases Chaplin's distinct brand of humor. His mix of physical funny, meaningful acting, and well-timed gags assisted specify and shape the silent film period. Furthermore, Chaplin's film provides a social commentary on crime, hardship, and justice, with its humanistic overtones and empathetic representation of the protagonist. Regardless of its short period, "Police" constitutes a memorable and extremely prominent piece of Chaplin's oeuvre.

Top Cast

  • Charlie Chaplin (small)
    Charlie Chaplin
    Charlie, Convict 999
  • Edna Purviance (small)
    Edna Purviance
    Daughter of the House
  • Wesley Ruggles (small)
    Wesley Ruggles
    Jailbird and Thief
  • James T. Kelley (small)
    James T. Kelley
    Drunk with Pockets Picked / Second Flophouse Customer
  • Leo White (small)
    Leo White
    Fruitseller / Flop House Manager / Policeman
  • John Rand (small)
    John Rand
    Policeman at House
  • Fred Goodwins
    Honest Preacher / Policeman with Monocle
  • Billy Armstrong (small)
    Billy Armstrong
    Crooked Preacher / Second Cop
  • Harry 'Snub' Pollard (small)
    Harry 'Snub' Pollard
    First Flophouse Customer
  • Bud Jamison (small)
    Bud Jamison
    Third Flophouse Customer
  • Paddy McGuire
    Fifth Flophouse Customer