Film & Shorts Discussions > Random Comedy Reviews
The Pawnshop (1916) - Charlie Chaplin
HomokHarcos:
A fun short indeed, one that is much more comedy based than drama. I like the set and the fact it is a workplace comedy. He works at s pawnshop and gets into all sorts of trouble with a ladder, breaking a person’s alarm clock and getting into fights with his coworkers. It’s a very Stooge-like comedy where each job turns into a mess. I prefer those types of comedies to the domestic marriage mishaps. My favorite part was when they were fighting and when the boss comes in they have to stop and act busy.
The clock scene is the most famous. In order to figure out the price he decides to dissect the clock, causing it to be destroyed and lose all of its value.
Umbrella Sam:
I have to agree, this was a very entertaining short. As was a bit more common in these early days, there is somewhat of a sketch comedy feel throughout, but each sketch is paced well. One of the early standout gags involves a ladder. I don’t know what it is, but for some reason, I really like gags involving out of control ladders; my favorite moment in my favorite movie, IT’S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD involves this. I guess it has to do with how well it can manage to be funny and intense at the same time, very along the lines of something Buster Keaton would do. The constant fighting between Charlie and John Rand is great; I love the way they’re constantly at each other, yet incredibly fast when it comes to breaking things off and not getting caught. Charlie’s scenes behind the counter are where he gets to shine as a solo act. The clock scene is great, very fun to see Charlie constantly messing around with it, and I also like his reactions to the old man’s sob stories; the way he goes from mildly disinterested to sad to shock in a small amount of time is hilarious. There’s not one dull moment here; the actual plot itself is light, but it all ties together in the end and is surrounded by so many funny things that it doesn’t matter. Very well done.
NoahYoung:
I was just watching ALICE IN WONDERLAND, the Disney animated classic, and I wondered if Chaplin got the idea of "fixing" a watch/clock from Lewis Carroll. Of course the Chaplin film came before the Disney film, so I need to check the Lewis Carroll books about Alice to see if that's there. I have them in one volume on my shelf, but read it awhile ago and don't remember if the watch fixing was there. (The Mad Hatter and the March Hare attempt to "fix" the White Rabbit's watch, but break it instead!)
[albino]
NoahYoung:
Ok, well I read the short chapter about The Mad Tea Party and there was nothing about fixing the White Rabbit's watch. Perhaps it is elsewhere in the books?
If not, then perhaps Disney was inspired by Chaplin.
Note how it goes to B&W for a second -- perhaps another clue that it is an homage to Chaplin?
Tony Bensley:
--- Quote from: NoahYoung on July 02, 2024, 01:42:33 PM ---Ok, well I read the short chapter about The Mad Tea Party and there was nothing about fixing the White Rabbit's watch. Perhaps it is elsewhere in the books?
If not, then perhaps Disney was inspired by Chaplin.
Note how it goes to B&W for a second -- perhaps another clue that it is an homage to Chaplin?
--- End quote ---
I don't remember ever picking up on this scene briefly going to Black & White, before. Very interesting!
CHEERS! [3stooges]
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