Police
Plot
Charlie Chaplin's Tramp character is released from prison after serving his sentence, only to be immediately swindled by a fake parson who steals his meager funds. Destitute and dejected, Charlie encounters a fellow ex-convict who persuades him to join in a burglary attempt at a wealthy family's home. During the break-in, Charlie's conscience gets the better of him when he discovers the family is being victimized by the real criminals, leading him to protect the household and become an unlikely hero. Despite his heroic actions, Charlie finds himself arrested by the police in the film's ironic conclusion, highlighting the societal injustices that Chaplin often explored in his work.
About the Production
This was the 10th of 12 films Chaplin created during his lucrative Mutual Film Corporation contract, which gave him unprecedented creative control and budget. The film was shot during a highly productive period in Chaplin's career when he was perfecting his comedic techniques and developing more sophisticated storytelling approaches. The production featured elaborate sets for the burglary sequence and required careful choreography of the physical comedy elements.
Historical Background
Police was released in 1916 during a pivotal moment in world history, with World War I raging in Europe and America still maintaining neutrality. This period saw the film industry rapidly evolving from simple novelty to a sophisticated art form capable of complex storytelling. Chaplin's work during this era reflected and commented on the social upheavals of industrialization, urbanization, and growing class divisions in American society. The film's themes of institutional injustice and the plight of the working class resonated deeply with audiences experiencing rapid social and economic changes. Chaplin's Mutual Film Corporation contract, worth $670,000 for 12 films, was unprecedented at the time and represented a major shift in how creative artists could negotiate with studios. This period also saw the rise of the feature film, though Chaplin continued to perfect the short form format, using it to develop his unique blend of comedy and pathos that would define his legacy.
Why This Film Matters
Police represents a crucial evolution in Chaplin's artistic development, marking his transition from simple slapstick to more sophisticated social commentary. The film's exploration of the criminal justice system and its treatment of the poor and marginalized was groundbreaking for its time, using comedy as a vehicle for serious social critique. Chaplin's portrayal of the Tramp as both criminal and hero challenged conventional notions of morality and justice, resonating with working-class audiences who saw their own struggles reflected on screen. The film's influence extended beyond cinema, contributing to broader cultural discussions about social inequality and institutional reform. Police helped establish the template for socially conscious comedy that would influence generations of filmmakers, from Buster Keaton to modern satirists. The film's preservation and continued study demonstrate its enduring importance in film history and its role in establishing cinema as a medium for both entertainment and social commentary.
Making Of
The production of 'Police' took place during Chaplin's most creatively fertile period at Mutual Film Corporation, where he had complete artistic control and substantial budgets. Chaplin was known for his meticulous attention to detail, often shooting scenes dozens of times to perfect the timing of his physical comedy. The burglary sequence required extensive rehearsals to coordinate the complex physical gags and ensure safety during the stunts. Chaplin's relationship with Edna Purviance, his leading lady, was both professional and personal, and their on-screen chemistry was a key element in the film's success. The production team at Chaplin's studio had become highly efficient by this point, allowing for the creation of technically sophisticated films with elaborate sets and props. Chaplin's perfectionism meant that even a 25-minute short could take weeks to complete, with every detail carefully crafted to serve both the comedy and the underlying social commentary.
Visual Style
The cinematography in Police reflects Chaplin's growing sophistication as a filmmaker, featuring more complex camera work and lighting techniques than his earlier films. The film uses a variety of shots including close-ups to capture Chaplin's expressive reactions and medium shots to frame the physical comedy sequences. The burglary scene features particularly effective use of shadows and lighting to create tension and enhance the visual gags. The camera work supports the film's narrative through careful composition and movement, with Chaplin and his cinematographer Roland Totheroh developing techniques that would influence visual storytelling in cinema. The film's visual style balances the needs of comedy with the requirements of storytelling, using the camera to both highlight physical gags and convey emotional moments.
Innovations
Police demonstrated several technical innovations for its time, including more sophisticated editing techniques that enhanced the timing of physical comedy. The film's production values reflected Chaplin's increased budget and creative freedom at Mutual, featuring elaborate sets for the burglary sequence and carefully choreographed stunts. The use of multiple camera angles and more dynamic camera movement showed the evolving capabilities of film technology. The film's lighting techniques, particularly in the burglary scenes, created atmosphere and visual interest beyond the flat lighting common in earlier comedies. Chaplin's attention to technical details, from set construction to costume design, elevated the production quality of his shorts to near-feature film standards. These technical achievements helped establish new benchmarks for comedy film production and influenced the broader development of cinematic techniques.
Music
As a silent film, Police was originally accompanied by live musical performances during theatrical screenings. The typical score would have included popular songs of the era, classical pieces, and improvised accompaniment that matched the film's mood and action. While Chaplin did not compose original music for this film during its initial release, he later composed scores for many of his silent films during their re-releases. Modern restorations of Police often feature newly composed scores or carefully selected period music that enhances the viewing experience. The musical accompaniment plays a crucial role in silent film viewing, helping to convey emotion, highlight comedic moments, and maintain narrative flow. The absence of dialogue makes the visual storytelling and musical accompaniment even more essential to the film's impact.
Famous Quotes
As a silent film, Police conveyed its story through visual comedy and intertitles rather than spoken dialogue. The film's most memorable 'lines' were expressed through Chaplin's physical comedy and expressive gestures.
Memorable Scenes
- The prison release sequence where Charlie immediately encounters the fake parson, showcasing Chaplin's ability to create comedy from misfortune. The burglary scene where Charlie's conscience emerges as he protects the family from the real criminals, demonstrating the evolution of the Tramp character from simple comic figure to complex protagonist. The final ironic arrest scene where Charlie is taken away by police despite being a hero, encapsulating the film's themes of social injustice.
Did You Know?
- This was the 10th of 12 films Chaplin made for Mutual Film Corporation, considered among his finest work
- The fake parson character was played by John T. Dillon, a regular in Chaplin's films
- Edna Purviance, who plays the daughter in the burglarized house, was Chaplin's leading lady in dozens of films
- The film showcases one of the earliest examples of Chaplin's 'tramp as hero' trope
- Wesley Ruggles, who plays the fellow ex-convict, later became a prominent film director
- The burglary scene required elaborate set construction and careful timing of physical gags
- This film demonstrates Chaplin's growing sophistication in blending comedy with social commentary
- The ending, where Charlie is arrested despite being a hero, became a recurring theme in Chaplin's work
- The film was shot during World War I, though it doesn't reference the war directly
- Chaplin's Mutual films were considered so valuable that they were carefully preserved and restored over the decades
What Critics Said
Contemporary critics praised Police for its sophisticated storytelling and Chaplin's growing mastery of the film medium. The Motion Picture News noted the film's 'clever construction' and Chaplin's 'inimitable comedy style.' Modern critics and film scholars view Police as a pivotal work in Chaplin's Mutual period, highlighting its blend of physical comedy with social commentary. The film is often cited as an example of Chaplin's transition from pure entertainment to more artistically ambitious work. Critics have particularly praised the film's ironic ending and its commentary on social injustice, elements that would become hallmarks of Chaplin's later masterpieces. The film is frequently included in retrospectives of Chaplin's work and is studied in film courses as an example of early cinema's capacity for social critique.
What Audiences Thought
Police was enthusiastically received by audiences in 1916, contributing to Chaplin's status as the world's most popular film star. The film's blend of humor and pathos resonated deeply with working-class viewers who identified with the Tramp's struggles against social institutions. Contemporary audiences appreciated the film's more sophisticated approach to comedy, which went beyond simple slapstick to include elements of social commentary and character development. The film's box office success, while not precisely documented, was part of the overwhelming popularity of Chaplin's Mutual series, which played to packed theaters worldwide. Modern audiences continue to appreciate the film's timeless themes and Chaplin's masterful physical comedy, with Police remaining a favorite among Chaplin enthusiasts and classic film fans.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Vaudeville comedy traditions
- Earlier silent film comedies
- Social realist literature
- European cinematic techniques
- Chaplin's own previous films
- Contemporary social issues
- Stage comedy traditions
- Slapstick comedy pioneers
This Film Influenced
- Later Chaplin features including 'The Kid' and 'City Lights'
- Other Mutual Film Corporation productions
- Silent comedies with social commentary
- Films featuring misunderstood protagonists
- Modern comedy films addressing social issues
- Works exploring similar themes of redemption
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Film Restoration
Police has been well-preserved and is part of the Chaplin film archive maintained by the Chaplin estate and various film institutions. The film has undergone restoration efforts to preserve its quality and remains accessible to modern audiences. Copies are held by the Library of Congress, the British Film Institute, and other major film archives. The film's survival is notable given the loss of many silent films from this era, reflecting both Chaplin's careful preservation of his work and the cultural importance attributed to his films.