The Pawnshop (1916) is a silent comedy short written, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin, produced during his Mutual Film period. The film is one of Chaplin’s most celebrated “prop‑based” comedies, famous for its inventive gags and the iconic alarm‑clock dissection routine, where Chaplin examines and dismantles a customer’s clock in a brilliantly sustained comedic sequence.
The story follows Chaplin as a mischievous assistant in a busy pawnshop. He quarrels with co‑workers, insults eccentric customers, and flirts with the pawnbroker’s daughter. His antics escalate into slapstick chaos, culminating in a confrontation with a thief attempting to rob the shop. Chaplin’s blend of physical comedy, character humor, and clever prop work makes The Pawnshop one of the standout entries in his Mutual series.
Film Details
Title: The Pawnshop
Year: 1916
Genre: Silent Comedy / Slapstick
Director: Charlie Chaplin, with Edward Brewer as technical director
Producer: Henry P. Caulfield
Starring:
Charlie Chaplin as the pawnbroker’s assistant
Henry Bergman as the pawnbroker
Edna Purviance as the pawnbroker’s daughter
Albert Austin as the customer with the alarm clock
Eric Campbell as the thief
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes
Studio: Mutual Film Corporation
Country: United States
Format: Silent, Black‑and‑white
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