Mabel at the Wheel - Charlie Chaplin | clown ministry

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Mabel at the Wheel - Charlie Chaplin originally released April 18, 1914

Charlie Chaplin in The Tramp Art Print
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In Mabel at the Wheel, Charlie Chaplin is not playing his familiar tramp clown, but a generic movie villain. The basic premise has the villainous Charlie trying to win a race by hook or crook, as well as trying to impress Mabel Normand (at the time, one of Keystone’s biggest stars)—but drops her in a puddle instead. He later locks up his racing rival (Mabel’s boyfriend), forcing Mabel to take his place, with Charlie still trying to cheat his was to the finish line. However, Mabel wins in the end—shades of Penelope Pittstop.

A cute film, but more of interest for historical than comedic reasons.