This is the 9th short film featuring Chaplin that I’ve watched thus far in the chronology. I liked him a bit more this time around than I did in some of the previous films, though he’s still a little bit mean-spirited and cavalier for my tastes. Nonetheless, I can see why he was as big a star as he was in his era, and his films always have some fun gags.
This time around Chaplin plays a tailor’s assistant. As you may expect, he’s not a very good assistant, and bumbles about the job. He gets into big trouble when he accidentally burns the trousers of a Count while ironing them. That’s a fireable offense, and he finds himself out of work.
His former boss learns that the Count is supposed to attend a fancy party being thrown by Miss Moneybags, but won’t be able to attend. Hoping to score some of those bags of money, the tailor disguises himself as a count and shows up at the party. Coincidentally, Chaplin also ends up at the party, and begins competing with his ex-boss for the affection of Miss Moneybags. Hilarity ensues, in the form of non-stop sight gags and action sequences featuring a dance floor, a staircase, pastries to the face, and all the expected Chaplin stunts.
The ante is upped when the real Count shows up after all. He summons the police to deal with the imposters. After a spectacular chase scene, Chaplin makes his escape, leaving behind the tailor, who is arrested.
I’m definitely growing accustomed to Chaplin’s style, and finding his films more and more enjoyable each time one pops up in the chronology. My young sons (ages 6 and 8) adore him.
I watched it on the same Blu-ray set I’ve shared previously, which includes the 12 short films he made for Mutual in 1916 and 1917. You can click the image below if you want to buy a copy of your very own.
Next I’m watching Intolerance [1916], directed by D.W. Griffith.
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