The Adventurer (1917)

The Adventurer Poster

The daring convict no. 23, known as The Eel, escapes from prison and, after mocking his inept persecutors, saves the lives of three people in peril: a beautiful girl, her mother and an annoying suitor, only to get exhausted and almost drowned. Once he regains his strength at Judge Brown's home, he participates on an upper-class social party where he competes with the suitor for the favors of the charming Miss Brown. But prison guards are still after him…

Introduction
The Adventurer is a 1917 American short comedy film written and directed by famous actor Charles Chaplin. The silent movie, which runs for around 24 minutes, features Chaplin in the guise of a charming convict who embarks on a series of misadventures. It is a clear example of the classic slapstick funny design that has actually ended up being associated with Chaplin's work. Chaplin himself, in addition to leading starlets Edna Purviance and Eric Campbell, provides outstanding efficiencies, instilling humor and beauty in the storyline.

Plot Summary
At the start of the movie, Chaplin's character, an escaped convict, skillfully avoids jail guards, performed by Henry Bergman and Albert Austin, in a thrilling chase along the California shoreline. His quick thinking and shenanigans, like concealing in a hole in the ground and using a chaise longue as a vacation automobile, produce some superb slapstick humor.

Having actually effectively avoided his captors, Chaplin's character stumbles upon a drowning lady and her mother. Drawing on his physical comedy genius, he handles to rescue both females, initiating a series of occasions that escalate the film's hilarity. The women, played by Edna Purviance and Marta Golden, come from a rich household. Unbeknownst to them, their hero is a desired fugitive. Once safe, Purviance's character develops a soft spot for Chaplin's character, stirring the rivalry with her suitor, played by Eric Campbell.

Setting and Characters
Most of the film unfolds within the high society setting of the women's high-end home, where Chaplin's convict infiltrates impersonating an abundant aristocrat. This scenario gives rise to a variety of comedic circumstances, where he has to keep his camouflage while continuously preventing the law and battling Campbell for Purviance's love.

Chaplin's character, through fortune and wit, consistently leaves the clutches of his pursuers in a comical series of events. Eric Campbell, who adds to the comic spirit of the film with his atrocious yet entertaining portrayal, offers an exceptional foil to Chaplin's hero, intensifying the story with their competition.

Resolution and Impact
The plot culminates in a grand houseparty, where Chaplin's true identity gets exposed by the arrival of the prison guards, leading to a riotous ending filled with mayhem, including a slide down a long table, and his eventual capture. But nevertheless, Chaplin manages to keep the audience laughing until the very end.

Despite the final result, there is a sense of fulfillment as the audience empathizes with Chaplin's charismatic found guilty. His clever shenanigans, beauty, and the sense of innocent playfulness he brings to his character communicate a silent social commentary on class and identity.

Conclusion
The Adventurer is considered among Chaplin's a lot of masterful slapstick comedies. Through this movie, Chaplin not just showcased his exceptional physical funny abilities but also supplied a tongue-in-cheek critique of the class system widespread in his period. Even as a silent motion picture, it interacts humor, heart, and social commentary extremely, therefore cementing Chaplin's status as a renowned pioneer of cinematic comedy.

Top Cast

  • Charlie Chaplin (small)
    Charlie Chaplin
    The Eel / Commodore Slick
  • Edna Purviance (small)
    Edna Purviance
    Miss Brown - The Girl
  • Eric Campbell (small)
    Eric Campbell
    The Suitor
  • Henry Bergman (small)
    Henry Bergman
    Judge Brown - The Father / Docker
  • Albert Austin (small)
    Albert Austin
    The Butler
  • Marta Golden
    Mrs. Brown - The Mother
  • Toraichi Kono
    Chauffeur (uncredited)
  • Phyllis Allen (small)
    Phyllis Allen
    Governess (uncredited)
  • John Rand (small)
    John Rand
    Party Guest (uncredited)
  • Loyal Underwood (small)
    Loyal Underwood
    Party Guest (uncredited)
  • Monta Bell
    Man (uncredited)