Shanghaied (1915) is a silent comedy short written and directed by Charlie Chaplin, produced during his Essanay period. The film blends slapstick chaos with nautical adventure as Chaplin’s Tramp becomes entangled in a scheme to destroy a ship for insurance money.
The story follows the Tramp as he is tricked into helping load cargo onto a ship that is secretly set to be blown up. After being knocked unconscious and accidentally taken aboard, he awakens at sea and must deal with the ship’s rough crew, a furious captain, and a series of dangerous mishaps. When the sabotage plan goes wrong, Chaplin’s frantic attempts to survive lead to classic slapstick gags, wild chases, and explosive comedy. Shanghaied is one of Chaplin’s most energetic Essanay shorts, showcasing his physical inventiveness and fast‑paced humor.
Film Details
Title: Shanghaied
Year: 1915
Genre: Silent Comedy / Slapstick
Director: Charlie Chaplin
Producer: Essanay Studios
Starring:
Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp
Edna Purviance as the captain’s daughter
Wesley Ruggles as the ship’s crewman
Billy Armstrong as the captain
Runtime: Approx. 27 minutes
Studio: Essanay Studios
Country: United States
Format: Silent, Black‑and‑white
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