The Fireman (1916)
Fire-drill choreography in this reminded me of something Tati did with postmen a few decades later. I’m not sure when the music accompanying this was composed, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard that much slide-whistle action. This short also isn’t anything great although I believe it’s Clint Howard’s first role. Chaplin plays an inept firefighter in this one. There’s also some scheming going on with the father of the love interest (Edna Purviance, who is in a bunch of these) and the fire chief who happens to be Eric Campbell. None of that really makes any sense, and the comedic situations that are set up don’t really make up for it.
The Floorwalker (1916) Charlie Chaplin Movie
If you long for the days when kicks to the butts were funny, however, this is probably the short for you. There’s probably more butt-kicks per frame in this than in any other movie I’ve ever seen. There’s also a nice action scene where Chaplin scales a building and rescues a dummy that winds up having completely different hair color than Edna Purviance. At least I think it was Chaplin. It was all filmed with the climber’s back to the camera, so unlike with Harold Lloyd where you can see his face the entire time, you just can’t be sure who it was.
Initial release: 12 June 1916
Director: Charlie Chaplin
Story by: Charlie Chaplin
Distributed by: Mutual Film
Screenplay: Charlie Chaplin, Vincent P. Bryan, Maverick Terrell