AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

Claysaba Excellent, Without a doubt!!

DubyaHan The movie is wildly uneven but lively and timely - in its own surreal way

Gary The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

CitizenCaine 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.

rdjeffers Monday September 10, 7:00 pm, The Paramount Theater, SeattleReferring to Chaplin's Mutual films and The Fireman, in his book American Silent Film, William K. Everson explains, "The weakest of them, the purely slapstick entries, such as The Fireman, are still superior to the best of the Keystones and Essanays; and the best of them (The Immigrant, Easy Street, The Rink) could stand with his best work from any period." The Fireman relies entirely upon the physical brutality found in those earlier films for much of its humor. Charlie suffers the indignities of his fellow firemen and flirts with the chief's (Eric Campbell) sweetheart (Edna Purviance). She visits the station with her father who tells the chief, "Let my house burn. I'll get the insurance and you can wed my daughter." Of course, it goes wrong, there is "An honest fire," and Charlie rescues Edna from her burning house while the other firemen are occupied in truest Keystone fashion.

Katie Malone (armybrat987) I first saw this movie back in January of this year, around my high school's exam time.I was stressed out, so I went looking for movies to watch on the Internet, and I came across this.This was my first Chaplin film; indeed, this was my first silent film, and I must say it made a very good impression on me. I'm more a fan of verbal comedy, but this was unexpectedly funny!However, I thought the butt-kicking a bit incessant and found no humor in it.Other than that, a hilarious film. I give it two thumbs up!

TheOtherFool Charlie is a fireman in Eric Campbell's brigade. In the beginning, he oversleeps the alarm bells and therefor is kicked in the ass about a dozen times... I don't know why, but that still cracks me up.Later on a man is bribing the foreman (with his daughter!) to let his house burn, because he can use the insurance money. But when his place is lit, his own daughter is still in the house! Leave it up to Charlie to save her.Watch out for the scene where Charlie climbs the house to actually rescue the girl... amazing stuff.On the whole: pretty good Chaplin classic, not among the very best, but still loads of fun. 7/10.