A Burlesque on Carmen

Burlesque on Carmen poster

A Burlesque on Carmen is a 1915 silent film directed by Charlie Chaplin. It is a parody of the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet. The film was produced by the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company and is one of Chaplin's early works in the film industry.

Plot

The film is a comedic take on the classic opera Carmen. Chaplin plays the role of Darn Hosiery, a parody of the character Don José. The story follows the basic plot of the opera but is filled with Chaplin's signature slapstick humor and comedic timing. The character of Carmen is played by Edna Purviance, who was a frequent collaborator with Chaplin.

Cast

• Charlie Chaplin as Darn Hosiery
• Edna Purviance as Carmen
• Jack Henderson as Lillas Pastia
• Leo White as Escamillo

Production

A Burlesque on Carmen was produced by the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company in 1915. The film was shot in Niles, California, where Essanay had a studio. The film is notable for its use of parody and satire, which were common elements in Chaplin's work.

Release and Reception

The film was released in 1915 and was well-received by audiences for its humor and Chaplin's performance. It is considered one of the early examples of film parody and showcases Chaplin's ability to blend comedy with storytelling.

Legacy

A Burlesque on Carmen is an important film in the history of silent cinema and in the career of Charlie Chaplin. It demonstrates Chaplin's early experimentation with parody and his ability to adapt classic works into comedic forms. The film is preserved and studied for its contribution to the genre of film comedy and parody.

See also

• Charlie Chaplin filmography
• Silent film
• Essanay Film Manufacturing Company
• Carmen (opera)

External links

• A Burlesque on Carmen at IMDb