The Pawnshop (1916) is a silent comedy short written, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin, produced during his Mutual Film period. The film is one of Chaplin’s most celebrated “prop‑based” comedies, famous for its inventive gags and the iconic alarm‑clock dissection routine, where Chaplin examines and dismantles a customer’s clock in a brilliantly sustained comedic sequence.
The story follows Chaplin as a mischievous assistant in a busy pawnshop. He quarrels with co‑workers, insults eccentric customers, and flirts with the pawnbroker’s daughter. His antics escalate into slapstick chaos, culminating in a confrontation with a thief attempting to rob the shop. Chaplin’s blend of physical comedy, character humor, and clever prop work makes The Pawnshop one of the standout entries in his Mutual series.
Film Details Title: The Pawnshop Year: 1916 Genre: Silent Comedy / Slapstick Director: Charlie Chaplin, with Edward Brewer as technical director Producer: Henry P. Caulfield Starring: Charlie Chaplin as the pawnbroker’s assistant Henry Bergman as the pawnbroker Edna Purviance as the pawnbroker’s daughter Albert Austin as the customer with the alarm clock Eric Campbell as the thief Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes Studio: Mutual Film Corporation Country: United States Format: Silent, Black‑and‑white
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