February 15, 2014 at the Brooklyn Lyceum
February 2014 marks the centennial anniversary of Charlie Chaplin’s first movies!
To celebrate this landmark, Trav S.D. will screen Chaplin’s first three films, chat a little about his comedy legacy, and sign copies of his new book Chain of Fools: Silent Comedy and Its Legacies from Nickelodeons to Youtube. The line up includes:
* “MAKING A LIVING” (released February 2, 1914):
Charlie’s first film, made before he discovered his “Little Tramp” character. Chaplin films in which he doesn’t play the Little Fellow are surprisingly plentiful, but for those less acquainted it may come as something a revelation to see him as a fancy dude in kid gloves and a top hat, with an entirely different sort of mustache. Trying hard to fit in with the Keystone house style, Chaplin plays a nasty character who gets a job as a reporter. Much destruction and encounters with the Keystone Kops ensue.
* “KID AUTO RACES AT VENICE” (released February 7, 1914)
This was actually Charlie’s second film as the Little Tramp, although it was released first. This almost content free little solo jaunt features Chaplin improvising antics at an actual soap box derby (the titular “Kid Auto Races”) in Venice, California.
* “MABEL’S STRANGE PREDICAMENT” (released February 9, 1914):
Amazingly, this was Chaplin’s first film as the Little Tramp. We say “amazing” because he is so good in the movie, reprising his popular drunk turn from the music hall stage, playing a masher who harasses Mabel Normand (the star of the film) at a hotel. This early short holds up surprisingly well.
Admission $5
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS EXTREMELY KID FRIENDLY!!! WE WILL BE VERY SAD IF WE DON’T SEE SOME KIDS THERE!!!!!
CHARLIE CHAPLIN: 100 YEARS IN COMEDY FILMS
Date and time: February 15, 2014, 3pm
Location: Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (BrooklynLyceum.com)
(Take the R Train to Union Street/ 4th Avenue. The Brooklyn Lyceum is right outside the exit)
Admission $5
For more on silent and slapstick comedy don’t miss my new book Chain of Fools: Silent Comedy and Its Legacies from Nickelodeons to Youtube, just released by Bear Manor Media, also available from amazon.com etc etc etc
(Travalanche) 