The Floorwalker (1916) was Charlie Chaplin’s first film with Mutual Film Corporation. Watch this silent comedy classic featuring early cinematic stunts and slapstick chaos.

The Floorwalker (1916) – Chaplin’s Escalating Debut with Mutual

The Floorwalker marked a turning point in Charlie Chaplin’s career — his first film with Mutual Film Corporation, released on May 15, 1916. Clocking in as his 51st film overall, it featured the Tramp navigating the madness of a department store filled with double-dealings and dizzying staircases.

Aside from being riotously funny, The Floorwalker is also notable for pioneering what is believed to be the first use of an escalator (or “running staircase”) in film — an iconic scene that still feels inventive over a century later.

🛍️ Plot Summary

Charlie plays a bumbling Tramp who wanders into a bustling department store. Unaware of the chaos about to unfold, he ends up switching places with the store’s crooked floorwalker — who happens to look exactly like him.

As the Tramp navigates mistaken identity and gets caught up in the store manager’s embezzlement scheme, mayhem ensues: merchandise is overturned, fists are thrown, and slapstick antics reach peak velocity on a moving staircase.

🎭 Cast

• Charlie Chaplin – The Tramp
• Eric Campbell – Store Manager
• Edna Purviance – Secretary
• Lloyd Bacon – Floorwalker (assistant manager)
• Albert Austin – Shop Assistant
• Charlotte Mineau – Store Detective

🎬 Behind the Scenes

• This was Chaplin’s first film with Mutual, kicking off a series of 12 comedies produced under a landmark $670,000 contract — an enormous sum for the time.
• The climactic chase scene on the escalator is considered one of cinema’s earliest stunt gags and a signature Chaplin moment.
• Chaplin continued to collaborate with actors Eric Campbell and Edna Purviance in multiple Mutual shorts, establishing a recurring ensemble.

📺 Watch or Download The Floorwalker Free

▶️ Watch on Archive.org
🔗 The Floorwalker – Full Movie (Public Domain)

⬇️ Download Options:

• MP4 Format
• More formats available via Archive.org

Disclaimer:
The Floorwalker is believed to be in the public domain in the United States. Please verify copyright status before redistributing or modifying.

🏷️ Tags

Charlie Chaplin The Floorwalker, 1916 silent films, public domain comedy, early cinema escalator, Mutual Film Chaplin, Tramp short films, watch silent film free, classic slapstick, vintage department store comedy