An unknown Charlie Chaplin’s film debut in color – in front of unsuspecting crowds in 1914. Filmed in Venice LA, California. AI Restored to color and sound.
Watch Chaplin’s Film Debut in Color and Sound – 1914
AI restored, colorized and upscaled to 4k resolution and 60 fps. An ambient soundtrack was created for an immersive true life time travel experience. Source: Library and Archives Canada. Vancouver City Archives, 1976-0209. IDC: 23546.
The Story behind Charlie Chaplin’s film debut
In the late Fall of 1913, following the sudden departure of Keystone Studios comic star Ford Sterling, Mack Sennett sent for Chaplin, a young 24 year old English comedian whom he’d seen on stage in New York ( along with a young Stan Laurel) with the Fred Karno troupe.
The story goes that the Venice Daily cup race – a kids push-car event was being held on January 10th 1914 at Main & Westminster Streets, where the Westminster Dog Park now stands.
Mack Sennett told director Henry Lehrman, to take Chaplin down to the and shoot some improvised high jinks using the races as a backdrop.
Lehrman himself, is seen with another cameraman Frank Williams. They pretend to be a news crew filming the race from the sidelines on Westminster Avenue.
The Pest – Kid Auto Races at Venice 1914
The still then completely unknown Chaplin ambles on to the scene. It was the first time he wore his ‘little Tramp‘ costume. Bowler hat, bamboo cane, baggy pants, and small moustache. He proceeds to make a nuisance of himself.
The onlookers, both amused and bemused, were unsuspecting extras in motion picture history.
That’s all ! © Glamourdaze