In 1914 Charlie Chaplin originally introduced his famous tramp character in the short "Kid Auto Races at Venice." Later in the same year Chaplin was underscored in the first feature length comedy "Tillie's Punctured Romance." He had already acquainted theater goers with his funny mannerisms, odd walk, baggy pants, cane, and derby. In that feature though, his character was more of a scoundrel than an empathetic gentleman.
In 1915's "The Tramp," Chaplin continued with his character development, this time injecting him with pathos. He is now a good guy. While walking on a narrow road the Tramp is nearly struck by two passing autos. Twice he is knocked down on his back, but quickly and hilariously dusts off himself. Right after, a nearby hobo emerges from the bushes and attempts to steal money from a farmer's daughter (Edna Purviance). The Tramp comes to the rescue and defeats the bad guy, who runs away. Two other hobos try the same dishonest deed individually, but the Tramp winds up on top. The three itinerants flee. As a reward for his kindness the Tramp is taken in at the farm and Edna's father (Ernest Van Pelt) tells him in one of the film's few title cards, "As a reward you can work."
There is slapstick as the Tramp gets into trouble without being very productive. His attempt at cow milking stands out. Meanwhile the three vagrants again appear and offer our hero a split of the take if he helps them steal the money. He pretends to work a deal with them but actually thwarts their second attempt at thievery in a comical manner. The Tramp thinks he has won over the girl and enjoys his victory dinner. Then the girl's well-dressed fiancée arrives. Nothing is left for the dejected Tramp to do but walk away, although his steps at the end show optimism. This short, Chaplin's sixth film for Essanay Studios, represents the beginning of Chaplin's compassionate Tramp.
In 1915's "The Tramp," Chaplin continued with his character development, this time injecting him with pathos. He is now a good guy. While walking on a narrow road the Tramp is nearly struck by two passing autos. Twice he is knocked down on his back, but quickly and hilariously dusts off himself. Right after, a nearby hobo emerges from the bushes and attempts to steal money from a farmer's daughter (Edna Purviance). The Tramp comes to the rescue and defeats the bad guy, who runs away. Two other hobos try the same dishonest deed individually, but the Tramp winds up on top. The three itinerants flee. As a reward for his kindness the Tramp is taken in at the farm and Edna's father (Ernest Van Pelt) tells him in one of the film's few title cards, "As a reward you can work."
There is slapstick as the Tramp gets into trouble without being very productive. His attempt at cow milking stands out. Meanwhile the three vagrants again appear and offer our hero a split of the take if he helps them steal the money. He pretends to work a deal with them but actually thwarts their second attempt at thievery in a comical manner. The Tramp thinks he has won over the girl and enjoys his victory dinner. Then the girl's well-dressed fiancée arrives. Nothing is left for the dejected Tramp to do but walk away, although his steps at the end show optimism. This short, Chaplin's sixth film for Essanay Studios, represents the beginning of Chaplin's compassionate Tramp.