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Easy Street

1917·26 min·US
Director: Charlie Chaplin
ComedyAction
Spotlight: Charlie Chaplin

A derelict, huddled under the steps of a missionary church, feels enlightened by the sermon of a passionate preacher and infatuated by the beauty of the congregation's pianist, in such a way that he tries to improve his life of poverty by becoming a policeman. His first assignment will be to patrol along Easy Street, the turf of a vicious bully and his criminal gang.

A derelict, huddled under the steps of a missionary church, feels enlightened by the sermon of a passionate preacher and infatuated by the beauty of the congregation's pianist, in such a way that he tries to improve his life of poverty by becoming a policeman. His first assignment will be to patrol along Easy Street, the turf of a vicious bully and his criminal gang.

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Explore Further

Chaplin's View on Authority — Medium

Essay examining how Chaplin portrays authority figures and his challenge to institutional control in Easy Street.

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Cast

Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin

The Derelict

Edna Purviance

Edna Purviance

The Mission Worker

Eric Campbell

Eric Campbell

The Bully

Lloyd Bacon

Lloyd Bacon

Junkie (uncredited)

Henry Bergman

Henry Bergman

Kidnapper (uncredited)

E

Erich von Stroheim Jr.

Baby (uncredited)

Charlotte Mineau

Charlotte Mineau

Bully's Wife (uncredited)

T

Tom Wood

Chief of Police (uncredited)

J

Janet Sully

Mother (uncredited)

Frank J. Coleman

Frank J. Coleman

Policeman (uncredited)

Leo White

Leo White

Policeman (uncredited)

Loyal Underwood

Loyal Underwood

Policeman / Father (uncredited)

J

James T. Kelly

Policeman / Missionary (uncredited)

Albert Austin

Albert Austin

Policeman / Preacher (uncredited)

John Rand

John Rand

Policeman / Tramp (uncredited)

Crew

Roland Totheroh

cinematographer

Charlie Chaplin

writer

William C. Forster

cinematographer

Vincent Bryan

writer

Maverick Terrell

writer

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