A Musician-Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) leaves town following a
chase to find himself in a gypsy camp. There he finds a poor abducted girl
(Edna Purviance) who he attempts to cheer up with his music. Having witnessed a
savage beating of the girl by the gypsy chieftain (Eric Campbell), the Tramp
goes about saving the girl and setting her free. While attempting to woo her, a
handsome artist chances by and has Edna sit for a portrait. The portrait
attracts the attention of Edna’s estranged family who attempt to take her away
from the Tramp for good.
I honestly can’t think of a single Chaplin film during which
I’ve laughed so little but on this occasion that is not a negative statement.
Here Chaplin provides plenty of his trademark pathos and creates a film which
is much more of a romantic drama than romantic comedy or slapstick comedy.
