Silent Film Comedies timeline.

In 1912, Mack Sennett founded one of the first major film studios. This studio brought forth innovative slapstick comedies. Talents including Charlie Chaplin, Harry Langdon, Roscoe Arbuckle and Frank Capra came to Keystone to make hundreds of films with Sennett. Keystone Studios is where Chaplain introduced the Tramp character. The Keystone Cops and the Bathing Beauties were also great successes.

Considered to be one of the most pivotal stars of the early days of Hollywood, Charlie Chaplin lived an interesting life both in his films and behind the camera. He is most recognized as an icon of the silent film era, often associated with his popular character, the Little Tramp. In 1921, Chaplin was decorated by the French gov for his outstanding work as a filmmaker, and was promoted to the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honor in 1952. His films were awarded the art form of the century.

From 1914-1918, it was known as the Great War, the War to End War. Casualty totals were soaring into the millions. WW1 is known for extensive trench systems from which men of both sides fought. Lethal new technology were unleashed, for the 1st time a major war was fought below the sea and above in the skies. Results included destruction of 3 empires: Austro Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian. New borders were drawn, Germany was left festering in Europe, and was ironically a significant cause to WW2.

Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle began at Keystone, working with Chaplin from 1914-1916, and quickly became a principal star. Arbuckle's represented much of the Sennettesque flair for mayhem in his work, and was known for his fatness and childishness. In 1917, he gave Buster Keaton his first job in films as a supporting player in his work at the Comique Film Corporation. Through his features at Paramount, Arbuckle remained extremely popular until 1921 - when his career ended in a catastrophic scandal.

Before the great depression, Lloyd was releasing 1 or 2 films a year, after, it slowed to 1 or 2 every 2 years. Similar to Chaplin, Harold also had a disguise for his films, the "Glass" character, a mature comedy character who was easy to identify with. Lloyd was one of the most influential film comedians of the silent film era. His films contained thriller scenes, and daredevil feats, such as Lloyd hanging from a clock in Safety Last (1923)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDZ9NBcQzxw

Buster Keaton was an actor, comedian, director, and stunt performer. He entered the film industry in 1917. His early years consisted of him working alongside Roscoe Arbuckle in making several two-reel shorts. Successful films of his include The Camerman & The General. Keaton was known for his physical comedy paired with a routine deadpan expression, which is how he earned the trademarked name "The Great Stone Face". Keaton is considered one of the greatest comic actors of all time.

To combat family violence and other alcohol related crimes, the United States government outlawed the distribution and handling of alcohol. These new regulations would prove to have a large amount of backlash from the American People. Perhaps the increase of movie viewers and larger box office numbers can be credited to the lack of outlets for the American people to reside in. Perhaps cinema filled the void of alcohol for the audience.

The 19th amendment to the United States constitution prohibits denying the right to vote to citizens based on gender. It declares that “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”

Charlie Chaplin's directorial debut and the second highest grossing film of 1921. Widely regarded as Chaplin's best film, it centers around the relationship between Chaplin's character and "the boy". The success of Chaplin's performance can be credited to the emotional impact that the death of Chaplin's son just ten days prior. It was by chance that he met his future co-star Jackie Coogan.

Due to some major scandals in the industry, a storm of public outrage drove the government to enact censorship laws. In 1922 Hollywood producers formed the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America. Will Hays (1879-1954), an ultra-conservative Republican was hired at $150,000 a year to be the president of the organization. Initially the MPPDA engaged in little real censorship, it wasn't until 1930 that the organization adopted the Production Code and began rigidly enforcing it in 1934

Harry Langdon started working for Sennett and Keystone in 1924. Between 1924-1926, he developed a character that was somewhat reminiscent of Chaplin. He rose to stardom between 1926-1928 over a series of popular features directed by Frank Capra; "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp" (1926), "The Strong Man" (1926), and "Long Pants" (1927). Unfortunately, his stardom did not survive the coming of sound during his own features as a director.

Writing, producing, and directing the film himself, Chaplain returns with the famous Little Tramp character who is hoping to strike it rich in the Gold Rush. A blizzard hits, trapping him in a cabin with a prospector and a wanted man. Tension grows along with the three men's hunger, giving Chaplain many great acts that gave the film the legacy it holds today. The Gold Rush is considered by many to be one of Charlie Chaplain's greatest and most influential films, including himself.

On this day, 30,000 racists and white supremacists marched on the streets of Pennsylvania Ave. Never before had the Klu Klux Klan banded together with such numbers and such hate to march in a public area.

Debated to be Harold Lloyd's most popular and well received film, it follows his character as he survives freshman year of college. Through his experience he tries to obtain popularity by joining the football team. This film stuck with traditional sight gags but added in depth to his character. Making him someone who was relatable to the American Audiences. The Freshman turned out to be Lloyd's most financially successful film for that reason.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy were a duo comedy act that came together in 1927 when they signed a contract with Hal Roach. Between 1927 - 1929, the duo made 27 silent shorts for Roach and were considered the first important comic team in the history of film. The partnership lasted another 25 years as they frequently worked with directors such as George Stevens and Leo McCarey. Since they were trained for the stage, they made an easy transition into sound and became extremely popular in the 1930's

Directed by Buster Keaton. Upon its release, it was received poorly and considered a financial flop due to the high budget. Despite this, it is now considered one of the best American silent films. It is often being compared to The Gold Rush in significance. Based off of a true event, the film takes place during the American Civil war and follows engineer Johnny Gray's pursuit after his fiancée and his locomotive are taken. Keaton shows his talent of slapstick comedy well in this respected film.

The Jazz Singer is a 1927 American musical, the 1st feature-length motion picture with synchronized recorded music, lip-synchronous singing, speech in isolated sequences, its release hurled the commercial ascendance of sound films and ended the silent film era. Directed by Alan Crosland, produced by Warner Bros. A Vitaphonesound-on-disc system, is based on a play by Raphaelson, adapted from one of his short stories, "The Day of Atonement".1998, the film was ranked with the top ninety films.