Film & Shorts Discussions > Random Comedy Reviews
The Pawnshop (1916) - Charlie Chaplin
Paul Pain:
On a serious note, this really was a comedic masterpiece. Every single thing that shows up serves a purpose, and the build-ups to the gags are fantastic. All this time later, I'm still laughing over the scene of Chaplin eating the crackers and spewing them as the rich old man gives his sob story... better was how Chaplin hears the man's story, gives him a hammer to kill himself, and then ends up using it on himself after seeing the man's money roll.
The choreography in this one was absolutely incredible, with Chaplin and John Rand bouncing off everyone and everything in sight. It was an incredible sequence, especially with the ladder. But, how I gasped and laughed my rear off watching that scene.
The clock surgery was a devastating sequence of cringing and laughing. I was cross-eyed in wonder with how Charlie milks that clock for every ounce, whether performing surgery or tenderly treating it as a patient in need. Then he just cracks it open with a can-opener and reveals the full acid trip that is a run through this character's mind. I was hurting by the end of that scene.
Lest we forget the cast... Edna, Henry Bergman, and Eric Campbell are all fine. Nice touch to get the Jewish actor play a stereotypical Jewish pawnbroker, and Campbell was fantastic as the mustache-obsessed (seriously, look at how many times he strokes that 'stache) crook.
Tony Bensley:
--- Quote from: Paul Pain on March 09, 2022, 08:40:23 AM ---On a serious note, this really was a comedic masterpiece. Every single thing that shows up serves a purpose, and the build-ups to the gags are fantastic. All this time later, I'm still laughing over the scene of Chaplin eating the crackers and spewing them as the rich old man gives his sob story... better was how Chaplin hears the man's story, gives him a hammer to kill himself, and then ends up using it on himself after seeing the man's money roll.
The choreography in this one was absolutely incredible, with Chaplin and John Rand bouncing off everyone and everything in sight. It was an incredible sequence, especially with the ladder. But, how I gasped and laughed my rear off watching that seen.
The clock surgery was a devastating sequence of cringing and laughing. I was cross-eyed in wonder with how Charlie milks that clock for every ounce, whether performing surgery or tenderly treating it as a patient in need. Then he just cracks it open with a can-opener and reveals the full acid trip that is a run through this character's mind. I was hurting by the end of that scene.
Lest we forget the cast... Edna, Henry Bergman, and Eric Campbell are all fine. Nice touch to get the Jewish actor play a stereotypical Jewish pawnbroker, and Campbell was fantastic as the mustache-obsessed (seriously, look at how many times he strokes that 'stache) crook.
--- End quote ---
Yes, Eric Campbell! What a shame he died so young!! :(
metaldams:
--- Quote from: Paul Pain on March 09, 2022, 08:33:06 AM ---This was a comedic masterpiece. If you don't like this, then I don't like you. The end.
--- End quote ---
Should be quoted on the back cover if there is ever another blu ray release.
Paul Pain:
--- Quote from: metaldams on March 09, 2022, 09:23:31 AM ---Should be quoted on the back cover if there is ever another blu ray release.
--- End quote ---
[woot]
That may be the highest compliment I have ever received on this forum! [pie]
Paul Pain:
--- Quote from: Tony Bensley on March 09, 2022, 09:16:38 AM ---Yes, Eric Campbell! What a shame he died so young!! :(
--- End quote ---
The last year of his life was a constant tragedy. :-\ :-\
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