Watch His New Profession (1914) is a classic silent short film by Charlie Chaplin. This is an early Keystone comedy also known as The Good for Nothing, which is in the public domain.
His New Profession (1914) Also Known as The Good for Nothing
His New Profession is a short silent comedy from 1914 featuring Charlie Chaplin in one of his first screen appearances. It was Chaplin 25th film that was released on August 31, 1914, and shot at Keystone Studios. This little film is a twist on the theme of caring for an invalid man in a wheelchair where Chaplin (predictably) causes all the mayhem with uproarious consequences. The movie can also be referred to as The Good for Nothing.
🎞️ Film Synopsis Comedy on Wheels.
The movie starts with Chaplin in the role of a tramp like walking idly when he meets a man in a wheelchair, and his nephew who overpowers him. He takes the chance to have a fast job and agrees to take care of the disabled man, but soon manipulates the situation to his favor.
He does not exhibit much compassion or patience but instead relies on the wheelchair to act as a prop to several slapstick jokes. The result is chaotic as Chaplin attempts to flirt with a young woman when pushing the wheelchair, steals drinks in a bar, and experiences multiple run-ins with the police. According to the conventions of early Keystone comedies, misunderstandings are allowed to build up to physical comedy, and the last chase scene is as full of energy and anarchy as Chaplin is to be known.
👥 Cast
- Charles Chaplin – as Charlie
- Charley Chase – as the Nephew
- Jess Dandy – as the Invalid Uncle
- Cecile Arnold – as the Girl with Eggs
- Harry McCoy – as the Policeman
- Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle – as the Bartender
- Helen Carruthers – Woman (uncredited)
- Charles Murray – Drinker (uncredited)
🎬 Why This Short Film Matters
- Early Chaplin Performance: The movie displays the emerging style of comedy by Chaplin only a few months after he had joined Keystone Studios.
- Keystone Energy: Slapstick anarchy and social prankery make it a picture that recalls the ethos of early silent comedies.
- Double Title: It is also called His New Profession as well as The Good for Nothing, an unusual occurrence in Chaplin short films of the time being published under different titles.
- Public Domain Gem: A history of early Hollywood that you can watch, read and share (free).
📺 Watch or Download His New Profession (1914)
🎥 Movie Source: Internet Archive (archive.org)
🖼️ Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
▶️ Watch Full Film
🏷️ Tags
Charlie Chaplin 1914, His New Profession, The Good for Nothing, silent short comedy, Keystone Studios, early Chaplin films, public domain movies, Roscoe Arbuckle, black and white comedy, slapstick silent film.
