Charlie Chaplin's "A Burlesque On Carmen"

Burlesque on Carmen is Charlie Chaplin's thirteenth and last film for Essanay Studios, released in 1915 and then later recut into a different version in 1916. Charlie Chaplin played Darn Hosiery and Edna Purviance played Carmen (novella). Carmen was very popular at this time and two films under this title had already been released in 1915, one by Carmen (1915 Raoul Walsh film) where Theda Bara played Carmen and one by Carmen (1915 Cecil B. DeMille film) where the part was played by Geraldine Farrar. Chaplin's version is a parody of DeMille's film, following closely its structure and using very similar sets and costumes.<>Review, synopsis and link to watch the film </>

Synopsis
Image:Burlesqueoncarmen.jpg
A gypsy seductress is sent to sway a goofy officer to allow a smuggling run.

Cast

Charles Chaplin - Darn Hosiery
Edna Purviance - Carmen
Jack Henderson - Lillas Pastia
Leo White - Morales, Officer of the Guard
John Rand (actor) - Escamillo the Toreador
May White - Frasquita
Bud Jamison - Soldier of the Guard
Lawrence A. Bowes - Gypsy
Frank J. Coleman - Soldier

Production
The film was released in two reels at the end of 1915 when Chaplin's contract with Essanay Studios was up. The studio added two reels worth of additional non-Chaplin material and re-released the film in 1916.

Music
The film included the song "Carmen" by William McKenna.

Category:1915 films
Category:American silent short films
Category:Black-and-white films
Category:Films directed by Charlie Chaplin
Category:1910s comedy films
Category:Films based on French novels
Category:Films based on Carmen
Category:Essanay Studios films
Category:1910s short films
Category:American comedy films