This film was intended by Chaplin to be a two-reel film, but to his annoyance additional material was added after he left Essanay, the Production Company of the film. It is a parody of two contemporary films based on Bizet’s opera, by Cecil B. De Mille (starring Geraldine Ferrar) and Raoul Walsh (starring vamp Theda Bara). Chaplin plays Darn Hosiery (Don Jose), the Corporal of the Guard who is seduced by Carmen (Edna Purviance) so that gypsy smugglers can get their swag through the city gates. His chief rivals for Carmen’s affections are Escamillo, the toreador and a fellow soldier of the guard, Leo White.
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How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
312369
Language
English
Audience classification
PG
Subject categories
Anthropology, Ethnology, Exploration & Travel → Gypsies
Crime, Espionage, Justice, Police & Prisons → Smuggling
Family, Gender Identity, Relationships & Sexuality → Seduction
Music & Performing Arts → Operas - Film and video adaptations
Sound/audio
Silent
Colour
Black and White
Holdings
VHS; Access Print (Section 1)
16mm film; Access Print (Section 1)