Reviewer:
Showbizbuff
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 23, 2009
Subject:
Ford Sterling Steals the Show from Charlie
You are wasting your time if you download the 512kbMPG4 51MB version of this film. Even though the MPEG1 file is larger, at least it will play properly. The MPG4 download jumps repeatedly from still photo to still photo, and is totally unsatisfactory. This film is also known as "Tango Tangles" and is an example of Charlie's work at age 25 before the "Little Tramp" became his best known character. When Chaplin first enters the dance hall, we see he is decidedly drunk, and when he checks his cane and hat with the hatcheck girl, he is utterly indifferent as to the fate of his reclaim ticket. An attractive girl soon catches his eye, and from then on, Charlie spars with two other men for her affections. One man is the band leader, played by Ford Sterling; the other is one of the musicians, played by Fatty Arbuckle. The movie has Charlie's name on the title card, but the show is stolen by Ford Sterling. His comic pratfalls and expressions are incredible to behold especially when seen in conjunction with the actions of Fatty and Charlie. Overall, it is not a great short, but an amusing entry in the early careers of these great comedians.