There are two very distinct halves to this film and I
believe that the first half is amongst Chaplin’s best Essanay work to date.
Having come off In the Park which was
fast and a little bit messy, the first half of A Jitney Elopement was surprisingly slow, calm and more reminiscent
of his later feature films. The second half though features a full on frenetic
car chase which takes place in and around San Francisco and makes this Chaplin’s
most sprawling film to date. The title incidentally comes from the type of
vehicle that the couple attempt to run away in – a kind of shared taxi.
Showing posts with label A Jitney Elopement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A Jitney Elopement. Show all posts
Friday 8 June 2012
A Jitney Elopement
Edna (Edna Purviance) has been betrothed to a rich Count by
her father (Ernest Van Pelt) but she already has a secret love, The Tramp
(Charlie Chaplin). Edna persuades her love to save her and he impersonates the
Count at tea with Edna and her father. Once the Count (Leo White) turns up with
his fantastical facial hair The Tramp is thrown out. Later in a park the
foursome come together again and the two young lovers attempt to elope in an
act that brings about a prolonged car chase.
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