Those Love Pangs (1914) | Charlie Chaplin's Keystone Comedy of Rivalry
**Those Love Pangs (1914)** is a quintessential Keystone comedy short that showcases Charlie Chaplin operating at the height of the studio’s signature slapstick style. Released in October 1914, this film, directed and written by Chaplin himself, marks a pivotal stage in his development. It features the common silent film trope of romantic rivalry, pitting Chaplin against the mustachioed giant of Keystone, **Chester Conklin**. Unlike his earlier attempts to introduce drama (such as in *The Face on the Barroom Floor*), this short is a return to unadulterated, chaotic physical comedy, focusing on the pain and absurdity of unrequited love.
Synopsis: Rival Mashers and Romantic Mayhem
The plot of **"Those Love Pangs"** is straightforward: Chaplin and Chester Conklin play two rival "mashers" (flirts) who compete for the attention of the same two girls, played by Cecile Arnold and Vivian Edwards. Chaplin, dressed in his famous Tramp attire, is continuously thwarted in his attempts at wooing. He alternates between over-the-top charm and explosive frustration, resulting in a continuous series of gags, trips, and blows.
The film’s climax is typical of a Keystone picture, descending into an all-out brawl that spills from the streets into a public theatre. The relentless energy and speed of the action highlight the aggressive, unpolished comedy style that characterized much of Chaplin’s early work before he refined his persona. The title refers to the literal and figurative "love pangs" experienced by Chaplin's character, who is rejected by the women and consistently bested by his larger, more successful rival, Conklin.
Context: Chaplin's Creative Control at Keystone
By October 1914, Chaplin was no longer just an actor; he was directing and writing nearly all of his shorts, asserting complete creative command over his output. **"Those Love Pangs"** is significant as it demonstrates his versatility. While he occasionally experimented with pathos (as noted in earlier films), he could still deliver the fast, furious, and purely mechanical comedy expected of a Keystone star. This short is considered Chaplin's 29th film for the studio, reflecting an astonishing rate of production and learning over just ten months.
The chemistry between Chaplin and **Chester Conklin** is a key feature of this short. Their contrasting sizes—Chaplin's small stature and agile movement versus Conklin's imposing height and walrus mustache—made for reliably funny physical comedy, a formula Chaplin often revisited when needing an antagonist who could match his on-screen chaos. The film also notably features an early appearance by silent comedy director **Charley Chase**, underscoring the collaborative atmosphere of the Keystone studio.
Film Details and Restoration
- Director & Writer:
- Charles Chaplin
- Starring:
- Charles Chaplin, Chester Conklin, Cecile Arnold, Vivian Edwards, Peggy Page, and others.
- Production Company:
- Keystone Film Company
- Release Date:
- October 10, 1914
- Runtime:
- 16 minutes
- Color/Sound:
- Black and White / Silent (AI Colorized Version)
- Certificate:
- Not Rated (Due to historical age)
- Country of Origin:
- United States
- License:
- PUBLIC DOMAIN MARK / “No Known Copyright”
This version of the film has undergone digital restoration and colorization using modern tools like **DeOldify, EDVR, and ESRGAN**. These efforts preserve the classic performances and kinetic energy of the Keystone era, making this piece of silent cinema readily viewable and enjoyable for contemporary audiences while respecting its public domain status.
Watch Those Love Pangs (1914) - Restored and Colorized
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📧 **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.
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