THE CHAMPION, released March 11, 1915

Written and directed by Charles Chaplin.

Filmed in Niles, CA, this was his third film for Essanay.

Basic plot: Charlie takes a job as a sparring partner and ends up fighting the world champion.

Chaplin was a longtime fan of boxing. When he moved to California, one of his favorite hobbies was to attend the fights in Vernon each week. If there was a fight, he was there. And according to the other attendees, it was often more fun watching him than the fight: "Charlie goes through the whole fight with the fighters. He gets so excited that he ducks and dodges and punches with the prize-fighters. He scowls and cringes and sinks down in his seat. They say it is a strenuous experience to sit next to him. He fairly lacerates your ribs with his pantomime. Every time one of the fighters strikes out, Charlie strikes in sympathy." (Literary Digest, November 10, 1917)

Incidentally one of the last movies Chaplin ever saw, and thoroughly enjoyed, was Sylvester Stallone's Rocky.

Charlie's "persnickety pooch" who won't eat his half of the hot dog unless it's salted.

Charlie's training accoutrements: a very lightweight barbell & beer--lots of beer.

Edna, the trainer's daughter.

Charlie's pet bulldog doesn't like the way the fight is going. On a sad note: Spike the dog was hit by a car and killed in Niles, CA, only a few weeks after production was completed.

"To the victor belong the spoils"