Easy Street (1917)
Charlie Chaplin's beloved silent comedy short in which a reformed derelict becomes a cop on the most dangerous street in town.
Easy Street - Movie Information
- Original Title: Easy Street
- Release Year: 1917
- Directed by: Charlie Chaplin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Action
- Runtime: 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 22, 1917 (United States), February 5, 1917 (United Kingdom - U)
- Alternative Titles: Charlot policier (BE), Chaplin, a rendőr (HU), Rua da Paz (BR), Chaplin strázcem verejného porádku (CZ), Spokojna ulica (PL), Ησυχος δρόμος (GR), Pollari (FI), La calle de la Paz (ES)
- Production Companies: Lone Star Corporation
- Production Countries: United States of America
Easy Street - Plot
A derelict, huddled under the steps of a missionary church, feels enlightened by the sermon of a passionate preacher and infatuated by the beauty of the congregation's pianist, in such a way that he tries to improve his life of poverty by becoming a policeman. His first assignment will be to patrol along Easy Street, the turf of a vicious bully and his criminal gang.
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Easy Street - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Charlie Chaplin
Main Cast
- Charlie Chaplin
- Edna Purviance
- Eric Campbell
- Lloyd Bacon
- Henry Bergman
- Erich von Stroheim Jr.
- Charlotte Mineau
- Tom Wood
- Janet Sully
- Frank J. Coleman
Writers
- Charlie Chaplin
- Maverick Terrell
- Vincent Bryan
Producers
- Charlie Chaplin
- Henry P. Caulfield
Easy Street - FAQs
What is Easy Street about?
Easy Street follows a down-and-out derelict who finds inspiration at a mission church and decides to turn his life around by joining the police force. His first beat is the notoriously dangerous Easy Street, lorded over by a hulking bully and his gang of criminals. Chaplin's trademark slapstick and heart make it a delight.
Is Easy Street worth watching today?
Absolutely. Easy Street is widely regarded as one of Chaplin's finest short films. Critics and film historians consistently praise its inventive physical comedy, social commentary on poverty and crime, and the warmth Chaplin brings to the Tramp character. At just 26 minutes, it's an effortless and rewarding watch.
Where can you stream Easy Street for free?
You can watch Easy Street for free on Kanopy, Plex, and Plex Channel. Since the film is in the public domain, it's widely accessible without a subscription on several of these platforms.
How does Chaplin defeat the giant bully?
In one of the film's most memorable gags, Chaplin's Tramp-turned-cop manages to trap the enormous bully's head inside a street gas lamp and asphyxiates him just enough to subdue him. It's a brilliantly inventive piece of physical comedy that showcases Chaplin's genius for turning everyday objects into comic weapons.
Who plays the bully in Easy Street?
The fearsome bully is played by Eric Campbell, Chaplin's frequent on-screen nemesis during the Mutual Film period. Standing over six feet tall with a massive frame and bushy eyebrows, Campbell was the perfect physical foil for Chaplin's slight, nimble Tramp. Their dynamic is central to the film's comedy.
Does Easy Street have social commentary?
Yes, and it's surprisingly pointed for a slapstick comedy. The film touches on urban poverty, drug addiction, crime, and the redemptive power of community and faith. Chaplin sets the story in a grimy, overcrowded slum and uses humor to highlight the desperation of people living on society's margins.
Who directed and starred in Easy Street?
Charlie Chaplin wrote, directed, produced, and starred in Easy Street — a remarkable one-man creative feat. He also co-edited the film. Edna Purviance, his frequent leading lady, plays the mission worker who inspires the Tramp's transformation. The film was produced by Chaplin's own Lone Star Corporation for Mutual Film.
Where was Easy Street filmed?
Easy Street was filmed at the Lone Star Studio in Los Angeles, California. The iconic street set was built on the studio lot, designed to evoke a grimy, cramped urban slum. Cinematographers Roland Totheroh and William C. Forster captured the action, with Totheroh serving as Chaplin's long-time camera collaborator.
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