This film was the third of the Mutual Chaplin Specials. Legend has it that Chaplin filmed an alternate ending to the film in which Charlie attempts suicide by throwing himself into the river. He is rescued by a homely maiden (played by Phyllis Allen) but plunges back into the water after one look at her face. It is up for debate whether or not this footage exists, or ever existed. However, two contemporary trade magazines described this second ending: A pre-release blurb in the June 24, 1916 issue of Reel Life (a Mutual publicity magazine) and in an apparent review in the July 29, 1916 issue of the New York Clipper. Both describe Chaplin's suicide attempt being thwarted by a "buxom country maiden" (Phyllis Allen) who had befriended him. Reel Life goes further and describes Allen's character as a farm woman whom Charlie has been flirting with in order to get such things as free eggs. That's why, when he attempts suicide, she jumps in to rescue him. There is a brief scene in the final film where Charlie gets some eggs from a farm woman but we don't see her face. Is it Phyllis Allen? Does this prove that she was part of a longer scene that was later edited out? We may never know.*
*Sources:
Michael Hayde, Chaplin's Vintage Year
David Robinson, Chaplin's Life & Art
www.nitrateville.com
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| A classic Chaplin entrance showing only his familiar feet. |
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| We get to see a lot of Chaplin's left-handed violin playing in this film. |
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| Edna, the Gypsy Drudge |
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| Her "parents" are played by Eric Campbell and Leo White in drag. |
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| Charlie's crazed violin playing for Edna causes him to fall into the tub. A precursor to the final scene in Limelight. |
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| An artist, played by Lloyd Bacon, takes an interest in Edna. Bacon went on to become a successful director his credits include the Busby Berkeley musicals 42nd Street& Footlight Parade. |
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| "Goodby, little girl" or is it? |
Michael Hayde, Chaplin's Vintage Year
David Robinson, Chaplin's Life & Art
www.nitrateville.com
