Making a Living (1914) - Charlie Chaplin Old Colorized Movie

           

The Debut of a Legend: 'Making a Living'

           

**"Making a Living" (1914)** holds a monumental place in cinematic history as **Charles Chaplin's first appearance on screen**. Released on February 2, 1914, this one-reel comedy marked the beginning of Chaplin’s legendary film career with the Keystone Film Company, though it was still a transitional moment. In this film, Chaplin does not yet use the specific costume elements that would immediately define **The Little Tramp** (like the bowler hat or small mustache), but he already displays the physical comedy and character-driven slapstick that would become his trademark.

Synopsis: The Out-of-Work Swindler

The plot centers on Chaplin's character, an out-of-work swindler named Edgar English, who spends the short film causing general trouble and aggressively pursuing a job as a newspaper reporter. He starts by attempting to flirt with a woman (played by **Virginia Kirtley**), who is engaged to a rival reporter (played by director **Henry Lehrman**).

The conflict escalates when Chaplin's character snatches the rival's camera, leading to a frantic, signature Keystone chase scene as they race through the streets trying to secure an exclusive scoop on a major accident. The film is pure, frantic slapstick, relying on aggressive physical gags, rapid-fire action, and overt confrontation, showcasing the raw, unpolished energy of Chaplin's earliest work before he gained creative control.

Historical Context: Finding His Feet at Keystone

Chaplin arrived at Keystone in late 1913, having been recruited from the Vaudeville stage. He reportedly clashed with director Henry Lehrman during production due to differences in comedic style; Chaplin preferred subtlety and character, while Lehrman insisted on the trademark high-energy, violent Keystone chaos. This film is a fascinating record of that early tension. While it is not considered Chaplin’s finest work—and was reportedly heavily edited by Lehrman after filming—it is the indispensable foundation upon which the world's most famous film character, the Tramp, would be built just a few films later.

       

           

Film Details and Restoration

           

Director:

Henry Lehrman

               

Writer:

Henry Lehrman

               

Starring:

Charles Chaplin, Virginia Kirtley, Henry Lehrman

               

Production Company:

Keystone Film Company

               

Release Date:

February 2, 1914

Country of Origin:

United States

               

Genres:

Short, Comedy, Slapstick

               

Runtime:

12 minutes 39 seconds (Approx)

               

Colorized by:

AI Colorization

           

       

                   

Watch Making a Living (1914) - Colorized HD

           

See the birth of a cinematic legend in this vibrant restoration.

               

If you enjoy classic silent comedies, please like, share, and support the preservation of film history! 🌟🎞️

   

📧 We exclusively feature colorized movies from the public domain. If you ever notice any concerns or issues related to copyright, please contact us at **inestorate@gmail.com**. We're committed to addressing and resolving any such matters promptly.