"Easy Street" is a 24-minute short movie from 1917. So it soon has its 100th birthday. 1917 was a time in Charlie's career when not only Edna Purviance was a regular in his movies playing the love interest usually, but also Eric Campbell was usually in these playing the main antagonist to Chaplin's character. And not only the difference in size makes Chaplin and Campbell such a successful duo, it's also the way they elevate the other's material. This film here may be the best example. Chaplin is so much better when he is not just a one-man show, but actually gives some screen time to other characters as well, because they are needed to make it a better story. Of course, Chaplin was the biggest movie star at that point, but you can't have a great story with one person bringing slapstick comedy from start to finish and sadly this is what Chaplin did in many of his films. However, this one is not among them and yet it is lots of fun to watch Chaplin as a police officer. One of his best and this one was made near the end of Chaplin's short film career. recommended.
Review of Easy Street
