When at the end of 1914 Charlie Chaplin, the famous actor of Keystone comedies concluded a profitable contract with the studio Esseny, he received a large jackpot in the form of a solid fee and almost complete creative freedom. However, in the same 1915,, when he was working hard on his work, he kindly agreed to star in a small role (in fact, a cameo of his Tramp) in the crime drama Gilbert M. "Billy's Broncho" Anderson "His Revival". And this work is perceived by the general public as an atypical film with Chaplin is not in the lead role. Although in this aspect there is a more famous example - "Parisian" (which Chaplin shot, but did not want to act).
Once Gilbert M. Anderson was able to make himself known by acting in Westerns in the early 1900s under the pseudonym "Broncho Billy". In 1907, Anderson and George C. Spoore founded the Esseny Studio to produce their films. But by the mid-1910s, the popularity of "Broncho Billy" began to fall, and the only chance to improve the financial situation of the studio was to create a new one. Charlie Chaplin. Despite the huge fee that Charlie asked himself when signing the contract, the studio was incredibly lucky with him and soon things went uphill. It was then that Anderson’s idea (whose fame has almost faded) was born again to loudly declare itself, calling Chaplin in his film – “a chicken that does not lay golden eggs.” Moreover, the work on new films Chaplin took a lot of time that he did not have time to release anything on the screens in May.
To be honest, the film didn’t really touch me at all, but it didn’t really impress me. I feel like I’m watching two different movies that have a connection (but it’s very shaky). In any case, there are really two parts in this short film: in the bar (where two men fight for the girl’s heart) and in the house (where thieves climbed, but because of a fight between them, the robbery ends in murder). Yes, the motives of the hero Anderson are clear (which is why there was a fight with an accomplice to the robbery), but it is painfully quickly that he makes such noble decisions, having “remembered” the savior in time. But the one who really surprised me was the girl (Marguerite Clayton), who twice saved the hero of "Broncho Billy." Her actions literally make the heroine almost holy in the eyes of the audience. However, for the crime drama, this ending turned out to be quite positive (although not the traditional happy ending).
And as for Chaplin’s role in this project, it was just to attract the public, nothing more. The plot of his Tramp is not affected in any way, and if you cut scenes with him, then no one will notice his presence.
In general, an atypical movie for all Chaplin fans, who will be more disappointed than satisfied. But you just need to realize that this is not his film or starring him, and the famous comedian is nothing more than a guest. And then a lot falls into place.
5 out of 10