Whether you are a seasoned collector of silent film or someone looking to explore the roots of modern comedy, this collection is indispensable.
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Features Chase's iconic 10- and 20-minute silent shorts where his visual timing and comedic pacing were perfected.
Born Charles Joseph Parrott in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 20, 1893, Charley Chase began his career in vaudeville as a teenager before moving to film in 1912. He cut his teeth at pioneering comedy studios, appearing in bit parts in Mack Sennett's Keystone films, including those of a young Charlie Chaplin. By 1920, Chase had landed at the Hal Roach studio, where he truly found his voice.
A comprehensive "MegaPack" collection typically aggregates Chase's surviving filmography, spanning his prolific silent era in the 1920s through his transition into early sound films (talkies) in the 1930s.
: Showcases his brilliant physical timing and social awkwardness.
An archival collection of this magnitude generally includes:
This article is your ultimate guide to everything Charley Chase. We'll explore the story of the man who was once as famous as Babe Ruth, dive into the best DVD and Blu-ray box sets available, and show you why his films are the perfect addition to any serious comedy collection.
He was the "master of the comedy of embarrassment," playing a dapper, handsome everyman. He wasn't a clown; he was you.
While Chase is often associated with physical media collections from labels like Kino Lorber VCI Entertainment Wildside Press MegaPack
Widely considered one of the greatest silent comedies ever made. It perfectly encapsulates Chase's brilliant use of situational irony.
: Observe how his character evolves from pure silent pantomime to sophisticated dialogue.
This film features Charley in a classic situation comedy premise, posing as a butler for his newly remarried mother. It's a perfect showcase for his ability to build a simple, plausible situation into a riotous, full-blown fiasco.
For those who have devoured the above sets, distributors like Alpha Home Entertainment and Grapevine Video offer specialized collections. These often feature public domain prints and provide fascinating, if sometimes less pristine, looks at Chase's earliest days. The compilation (1915-1926) includes deep cuts that are hard to find elsewhere. Another essential release from Grapevine Video is the Jimmy Jump Series , which collects eight shorts (1924-1925) featuring Chase's early on-screen character, providing a glimpse into his comedic evolution.