The Tramp (film)

The Tramp is the sixth film directed by Charlie Chaplin for Essanay Studios, released in 1915. It was Chaplin's fifth and final film produced at Essanay's Niles, California, studio.^[1] The Tramp marked the emergence of the Tramp character, a role Chaplin had played in earlier films but with a more emotional depth, showing a caring side towards others. The film also stars Edna Purviance as the farmer's daughter and Ernest Van Pelt as Edna's father. The outdoor scenes were filmed on location near Niles.

The Tramp
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Charlie Chaplin
Written by	Charlie Chaplin
Produced by	Jess Robbins
Starring	Charlie Chaplin Edna Purviance
Cinematography	Harry Ensign
Edited by	Charlie Chaplin
Distributed by	Essanay Studios General Film Company
Release date	April 11, 1915 (1915-04-11)
Running time	26 minutes
Country	United States
Language	Silent (English intertitles)

Plot

The poignant last scene in The Tramp was filmed in Niles Canyon.

The film begins with the Tramp walking down the road, narrowly escaping two cars. Seeking refuge on a farm, he faces various humorous situations, including a hobo trading his sandwich for a brick. The Tramp comes to the aid of a farmer's daughter who is harassed by a hobo. As the story unfolds, the Tramp engages in farm work, gets involved in a tiff with a farmhand, and foils a planned robbery. However, upon realizing the farmer's daughter is already in a relationship, the Tramp decides to leave, leaving a heartfelt letter behind. The film ends with the Tramp walking away alone on the road he came in.

Cast

Charlie Chaplin as "The Tramp" during the film

• Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp
• Edna Purviance as Farmer's daughter
• Lloyd Bacon as Edna's fiancé/Second thief
• Leo White as First thief
• Bud Jamison as Third thief
• Ernest Van Pelt as Farmer, Edna's father
• Paddy McGuire as Farmhand
• Billy Armstrong as Minister

Reception

The Tramp faced cuts by city and state film censorship boards, including a scene of Chaplin sitting in a sewage drainage pipe after burning his posterior, cut by the Chicago Board of Censors.^[2]