The Adventurer (1917)
Charlie Chaplin's final Mutual Film short — a brilliantly crafted silent comedy about an escaped convict, a society party, and unstoppable slapstick genius.
The Adventurer - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Adventurer
- Release Year: 1917
- Directed by: Charlie Chaplin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Adventure
- Runtime: 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 22, 1917 (United States), February 21, 1919 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Шукач пригод (UA), Chaplin uprchlým trestancem (CZ), L'évadé (BE), Ο περιπετειώδης (GR), Chaplin som Selskabsmand (DK), Vankikarkurina (FI), Charlot avventuriero (IT), O Aventureiro (BR)
- Production Companies: Lone Star Corporation
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Adventurer - Plot
The daring convict no. 23, known as The Eel, escapes from prison and, after mocking his inept persecutors, saves the lives of three people in peril: a beautiful girl, her mother and an annoying suitor, only to get exhausted and almost drowned. Once he regains his strength at Judge Brown's home, he participates on an upper-class social party where he competes with the suitor for the favors of the charming Miss Brown. But prison guards are still after him…
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The Adventurer - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Charlie Chaplin
Main Cast
- Charlie Chaplin
- Edna Purviance
- Eric Campbell
- Henry Bergman
- Albert Austin
- Marta Golden
- Toraichi Kono
- Phyllis Allen
- John Rand
- Loyal Underwood
Writers
- Maverick Terrell
- Vincent Bryan
- Charlie Chaplin
Producers
- Henry P. Caulfield
- Charlie Chaplin
- John Jasper
The Adventurer - FAQs
Who plays the escaped convict in The Adventurer?
Charlie Chaplin plays the escaped convict known as The Eel, also credited as Commodore Slick. Chaplin wrote, directed, and edited the film as well, making it one of his most personal short comedies of the Mutual Film era. Edna Purviance co-stars as Miss Brown.
Was The Adventurer Charlie Chaplin's last Mutual Film?
Yes, The Adventurer (1917) was the final short film Chaplin made under his celebrated contract with the Mutual Film Corporation. It concluded a remarkably productive two-year period widely regarded as one of the most creatively rich runs in silent comedy history.
Where can you stream The Adventurer (1917)?
The Adventurer is available to stream on several platforms, including Kanopy and Plex for free, The Roku Channel and Cineverse with ads, and Philo via flat-rate subscription. You can compare all current viewing options for your region on JustWatch.
What is The Adventurer (1917) about?
The Adventurer follows a resourceful escaped convict who rescues a woman, her mother, and a rival suitor from drowning, then bluffs his way into their upper-class social gathering. While charming the daughter and dodging a pompous suitor, he must also evade the prison guards still hunting him.
When was The Adventurer released?
The Adventurer was first released in the United States on October 22, 1917, and later reached Spain on February 21, 1919. It was produced by the Lone Star Corporation and distributed during the height of Charlie Chaplin's popularity as a silent film comedian.
Who directed and wrote The Adventurer (1917)?
Charlie Chaplin directed The Adventurer and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Maverick Terrell and Vincent Bryan. Chaplin also edited the film and starred in the lead role, demonstrating the extraordinary creative control he exercised over his productions during the Mutual Film period.
How long is The Adventurer (1917)?
The Adventurer has a runtime of approximately 26 minutes, making it a short film typical of the era's two-reel comedy format. Despite its brief length, the film packs in a full narrative arc, memorable slapstick sequences, and sharp social satire targeting upper-class pretension.
Is The Adventurer considered one of Chaplin's best shorts?
Yes, The Adventurer is widely celebrated as one of Chaplin's finest Mutual-era shorts. Critics praise its inventive physical comedy, tight pacing, and the memorable ice cream gag. Chaplin himself reportedly named it among his personal favorites from this prolific and artistically significant period.
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