Chaplin's second film for Mutual in June of 1916 was The Fireman. This is a typical occupation comedy; where upon, a comedian assumes the role within the chosen profession and builds gags around the scenarios associated with it. Chaplin plays a fireman who is initially abused by his chief, played by Eric Campbell. Edna Purviance plays the chief's daughter who becomes a pawn in an insurance scheme between her rich father and the chief. The abused Chaplin is actually no less competent than his fellow firemen, who all appear to be Keystone cop clones. The sight gags and slapstick of the first part of the film yield to a more plot-oriented second half. Chaplin's athleticism, which is often overlooked, is highlighted through the film from inside the firehouse to how he rescues Edna Purviance in the end. The film benefits from a balance between its indoor settings and its location shooting. The film's weakness is its repetition of gags and propensity of lingering too long within the fire station. **1/2 of 4 stars.
Review of The Fireman
