Charlie Chaplin: The First National Collection
This DVD is comprised of six shorts Charlie Chaplin made for the First National Studio. "Shoulder Arms" (1918, 46 min.) is the story of The Little Tramp's heroic efforts in and out of the trenches of World War I. An inept soldier, The Little Tramp redeems himself in a series of hilarious adventures. "Sunnyside" (1919, 41 min.), originally titled "Jack of All Trades," offers up The Little Tramp as a hotel desk clerk, janitor and cook, as well as a cattle herder, ballet dancer, swooning suitor and jealous swain. "A Day's Pleasure" (1919, 25 min.) is reminiscent of Chaplin's earlier two-reelers. The fun is in the action as The Little Tramp escapes unscathed while those around him find themselves helplessly enmeshed in the mess he leave behind. In "The Idle Class" (1921, 28 min.), Chaplin plays two roles, leading to a delightful case of mistaken identity. As an inebriate society gentleman, he neglects his heartbroken wife. As The Little Tramp, he fantasizes about a wonderful life with her. In "Pay Day" (1922, 28 min.), Chaplin plays a humble working man confused about the amount of his paycheck and how to keep it away from his wife. Chaplin in "The Pilgrim" (1923, 38 min.) is an escaped convict who swipes a parson's clothing. On the lamb, he is mistaken for a real minister. Living up to his new role is complicated by an ex-con who is determined to pull off a robbery. Corrected film speeds restore these silent classics to their intended style and pace.