The Property Man (1914) | Backstage Bedlam at Keystone

Charlie Chaplin as the overworked and chaotic property man in The Property Man (1914)

**The Property Man (1914)**, written and directed by **Charles Chaplin**, plunges the Tramp into the frenetic and often disorganized world of a theatrical backstage. In this short, he plays a property man (or stagehand) whose incompetence and temper turn the theater into a riot of slapstick and unintended spectacle.

Synopsis: Luggage, Strongmen, and a Fire Hose

Charlie, as the titular property man, finds himself in a comedic whirlwind of chaos as he battles with actors' **luggage** that seems to have a mind of its own. The backstage and the stars' dressing rooms become a hotbed for conflicts, featuring jealous husbands and squabbling actors.

Highlights of the mayhem include Charlie attempting to juggle what he believes are weights, which turns out to be part of a strongman's act (**Garlico the Strong Man**). This leads to a spectacular moment of hilarious athleticism. The chaos culminates in a large brawl where a **fireman's hose** is deployed, drenching the entire cast and crew, and ending the film in classic Keystone pandemonium.

Context: Backstage Brilliance

This film is highly regarded for its ingenious use of a single setting—the cramped, volatile world behind the curtain—to generate continuous comic action. It features great performances from Keystone regulars like **Phyllis Allen** and showcases Chaplin’s growing skill in coordinating large-scale slapstick sequences. The short is an energetic display of the Tramp's ability to create and thrive in total disorder, proving that laughter is indeed the remedy for all the on-set mishaps.

Film Details and Restoration

Director & Writer:
Charles Chaplin
Starring:
Charles Chaplin, Phyllis Allen, Jess Dandy, Charles Bennett, Alice Davenport
Production Company:
Keystone Film Company
Release Date:
August 1, 1914 (United States)
Runtime:
24 minutes (approx. 1442 seconds)
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 Property Man (1914) - Restored and Colorized

Witness the spectacular water fight that closes the show!

📧 **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 intellectual property rights and will promptly address any claims.