The Tourists (1912)
A six-minute silent gem of slapstick chaos, where a missed train and a wandering tourist ignite a wild frontier chase.
The Tourists - Movie Information
The Tourists - Plot
A group of tourists spend too long checking out the Indian Arts and Crafts at the station and miss their train. While waiting, Normand in a picture hat and black outfit, wanders off and takes an interest in Chief Evans, precipitating the usual chase, here by ax wielding Indian wives.
The Tourists - Trailer
See the slapstick mayhem unfold in this surviving footage from 1912:
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The Tourists - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mack Sennett
Main Cast
- Mabel Normand
The Tourists - FAQs
What is The Tourists (1912) about?
The Tourists follows a group of sightseers who linger too long at a station's Indian Arts and Crafts display and miss their train. While waiting, Mabel Normand's character wanders off and catches the eye of Chief Evans, setting off a frantic chase by ax-wielding Indian wives in classic Sennett slapstick style.
Is The Tourists (1912) a silent film?
Yes, The Tourists is a silent short film from 1912, produced during the early era of American cinema. Running just six minutes, it relies entirely on physical comedy and visual gags — the hallmarks of Mack Sennett's signature filmmaking style at the time.
Where can you watch The Tourists (1912)?
You can watch The Tourists for free on Vimeo. It's a great way to experience a genuine piece of early cinema history without any subscription required.
Who directed The Tourists (1912)?
Mack Sennett directed The Tourists. A pioneering figure in silent comedy, Sennett was famous for his fast-paced, anarchic slapstick style and went on to launch the careers of many major comedic talents of the early 20th century.
Who stars in The Tourists (1912)?
Mabel Normand leads the cast as Trixie, a tourist whose wandering curiosity sets the whole chaotic plot in motion. Normand was one of the most beloved comedic actresses of the silent era, known for her natural charm and impeccable comic timing.
What genre is The Tourists (1912)?
The Tourists blends comedy and western elements — an unusual but entertaining combination. The film uses a frontier setting to fuel its slapstick chaos, mixing the physical humor Sennett was known for with the colorful backdrop of the American West.
How long is The Tourists (1912)?
The Tourists runs just six minutes — a typical length for short films of the early 1910s. Despite its brief runtime, it packs in a full comic scenario, from a missed train to a full-blown chase sequence, making every minute count.
What are some films similar to The Tourists?
If you enjoy fish-out-of-water comedies, you might like Crocodile Dundee (1986), If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium (1969), or Le Divorce (2003). For more western-flavored fun, Go West (1940) and Support Your Local Gunfighter (1971) offer a similarly playful tone.
More About The Tourists
Explore further details about this 1912 silent short on these authoritative resources.