The New Janitor (1914) | The Dawn of Pathos

Charlie Chaplin as the janitor in The New Janitor (1914)

**The New Janitor (1914)** is a pivotal short film for **Charles Chaplin** and the Tramp character. It moved beyond pure slapstick to introduce elements of drama and emotion, a trademark of his later masterpieces. Chaplin both directed and starred in this Keystone production.

Synopsis: Heroism and Hilarity

Charlie is hired as the janitor for a banking firm. His tenure gets off to a rocky start when he accidentally throws a bucket of water out the window, dousing his boss (the Bank President), and costing him his job. Simultaneously, the Villainous Manager, who is facing mounting gambling debts, attempts to steal money from the office safe.

The manager's attempt is interrupted by the secretary. Charlie, hearing the commotion while still lingering in the building, rushes in to save the secretary and the stolen funds. The police arrive and briefly mistake Charlie for the thief, leading to a chaotic sequence of slapstick and rolling. Ultimately, Charlie is cleared and receives a reward for his heroic intervention, proving his worth despite his clumsiness.

Context: The Birth of Pathos

This film is historically significant because it marked a turning point in Chaplin's approach to comedy. During the filming, an observing actress reportedly began weeping during a scene where the fired janitor pleads for his job back. This moment revealed to Chaplin his ability to inject genuine emotional power—or **pathos**—into his work, a technique he would hone and perfect throughout his career, giving depth and heart to the Tramp's comedic trials.

Film Details and Restoration

Director & Writer:
Charles Chaplin
Starring:
Charles Chaplin (Janitor), John T. Dillon (Villainous Manager), Al St. John (Elevator Boy), Jess Dandy (Bank President), and others.
Production Company:
Keystone Film Company
Release Date:
September 24, 1914 (United States)
Runtime:
16 minutes
Also Known As:
The New Porter, Nový brámnik
Color/Sound:
Black and White / Silent (Restored & Colorized Version)
License:
PUBLIC DOMAIN MARK / “No Known Copyright”

This version of the film has been enhanced using digital techniques like DeOldify and ESRGAN to improve the visual quality and bring a fresh, colorized look to this public domain classic.

Watch The New Janitor (1914) - Restored and Colorized

Watch Chaplin find his footing as a director and dramatic comedian!

📧 **Copyright Disclaimer:** This film is believed to be in the **public domain** and has been restored for historical and educational purposes. If you have any concerns regarding the copyright status, please contact the restorer directly at **inestorate@gmail.com**. We are committed to respecting copyrights and promptly addressing any claims.