The Bank

Synopsis

"The Bank" (1915) is a silent comedy short film featuring Charlie Chaplin in the role of a janitor at a local bank. The film masterfully showcases Chaplin's trademark physical comedy and expressive pantomime as his character navigates the challenges and chaos within the rigid, orderly environment of the bank. The story humorously portrays the interaction between the janitor and the bank's staff and customers, highlighting social dynamics and class distinctions with Chaplin's iconic blend of wit and slapstick humor. This film is an excellent example of early 20th-century silent cinema, emphasizing visual storytelling and Chaplin's early development as a comedic actor and director.

Cast

• 

  Charlie Chaplin

  Janitor

• 

  Edna Purviance

  Secretary

• 

  Carl Stockdale

  Cashier

• 

  Charles Inslee

  Bank President

• 

  Leo White

  Clerk

• 

  Billy Armstrong

  Another Janitor

Reviews

"The Bank" holds a moderate reception among audiences and critics alike. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.6/10, suggesting generally favorable views though not without some criticism. Viewers often praise Chaplin's physical comedy and expressive performance, recognizing it as an important step in his career evolution. Critics commend the film for its charming simplicity and effective use of silent film techniques, despite its brief 16-minute runtime. However, some modern reviewers note that the plot is rudimentary compared to Chaplin's later works, lacking the depth and emotional resonance found in his feature-length films. Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic do not have aggregated critic scores for this particular short, largely due to its age and format, but film historians and enthusiasts regard it as a valuable glimpse into Chaplin's early comedic style and silent era filmmaking. Overall, the film is appreciated for its historical significance and Chaplin's timeless humor, even if it may feel dated to contemporary audiences.

See also

Deadpool

Joker

Ex Machina

1917