The very notion of Marie Dressler in the role of a winsome country girl is enough to induce chuckles (for those familiar with her later films, that is). The actress was in her mid-40s at the time this film was made, and a 'robust'(ahem) 40-something at that. Chaplin, then 25 years old portrays her gold-digging suitor. In the role of Tillie it is easy to see why Marie's character was so popular with live theater audiences; with her trademark facial expressions and kinetic energy she has our attention from the moment we see her -even without dialogue.
**Spoiler Alert...if anyone is concerned** Tillie's inheritance via the unexpected demise of her rich uncle catapults her into high society, and her notion of how wealthy ladies should dress and behave provide the most memorable moments. Tillie's introduction to high-society in the ballroom of her late uncle's (now her own) mansion include some funky dance moves (on her part) that seem surprisingly fresh after nearly a century...and, in a few fleeting scenes, one party guest who may provide the earliest portrayal of an obviously gay (and quite flamboyant) character in a mainstream film. Anyone willing to sit through a silent film made in 1914 has certainly seen other silent films- but this one is rougher than most; there are some jumpy cuts and some scenes in which the surviving footage is badly degraded. That, and an over-abundance of incredibly juvenile slapping/kicking/poking/falling down -which must have passed for comedy at the time- become tiresome early on. Still, the storyline holds together, and anyone who has seen Marie Dressler in 'Dinner at Eight', 'Anna Christie', or 'Min and Bill' and wished for more will want to see 'Tillie's Punctured Romance'.
**Spoiler Alert...if anyone is concerned** Tillie's inheritance via the unexpected demise of her rich uncle catapults her into high society, and her notion of how wealthy ladies should dress and behave provide the most memorable moments. Tillie's introduction to high-society in the ballroom of her late uncle's (now her own) mansion include some funky dance moves (on her part) that seem surprisingly fresh after nearly a century...and, in a few fleeting scenes, one party guest who may provide the earliest portrayal of an obviously gay (and quite flamboyant) character in a mainstream film. Anyone willing to sit through a silent film made in 1914 has certainly seen other silent films- but this one is rougher than most; there are some jumpy cuts and some scenes in which the surviving footage is badly degraded. That, and an over-abundance of incredibly juvenile slapping/kicking/poking/falling down -which must have passed for comedy at the time- become tiresome early on. Still, the storyline holds together, and anyone who has seen Marie Dressler in 'Dinner at Eight', 'Anna Christie', or 'Min and Bill' and wished for more will want to see 'Tillie's Punctured Romance'.