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Charles Chaplin, Edna Purviance, John Rand, Ben Turpin, Leo White ... see more see more... , Jack Henderson , Wesley Ruggles , May White , Bud Jamison , Lawrence A. Bowes , Frank J. Coleman

Burlesque on Carmen was intended by Charlie Chaplin to be a two-reel film, but to his annoyance additional material, shot by Leo White and featuring Ben Turpin, was added for its release after Chaplin... read more read more... left Essanay. It is a parody of two contemporary films based on Bizet's opera, by Cecil B. De Mille (starring opera star Geraldine Farrar) and Raoul Walsh (starring vamp Theda Bara). Chaplin plays Darn Hosiery (Don Jose) the Corporal of the Guard who is seduced by Carmen (engagingly played by Edna Purviance) so that Gypsy smugglers can get their swag through the city gates. His chief rivals for Carmen's affections are Escamillo, the Toreador and a fellow soldier of the guard, Leo White. The interjection of the Turpin sections and the use of outtakes of the Chaplin material makes the plot rather murky. Don Jose is charmed by Carmen and ignores his military duties. He allows the smugglers to enter the city gates but other guards, alerted by his rival White, give chase. Later, as the guards and gypsies struggle at a village gate, Don Jose gets into a duel for Carmen's attentions with White, during which Don Jose engages in some Chaplinesque fencing and wrestling, but aided by Carmen he kills White. Realizing the depth of his deed he pursues Carmen who has taken off out a window. He catches up with her, but the Toreador interrupts his accusations and takes Carmen away. Sometime later they are seen arriving at the bull ring. Don Jose catches up with Carmen and, playing it perfectly straight, he chillingly accuses her of infidelity and when she mocks his love, he stabs her and then himself. They are discovered by the Toreador, but Don Jose revives, mule kicks Escamillo back into the arena and picks up Carmen who also comes back to life. Looking into the camera, they smilingly show the audience the collapsible knife as the camera irises in. ~ Phil Posner, Rovi

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Unrated, 44 min.

Directed by: Charles Chaplin

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Flixster Reviews (26)

  • deano
    August 25, 2008
    deano
    Fine sequences in which Charlie Chaplin embroiled in an extended sabre duel with a rival, poses lackadaisie-ally amidst the clashing weapons. In the final scene is quite alike story of Othello.
  • symphonyofhorror
    January 9, 2007
    symphonyofhorror
    There were actually 2 versions of this film released. The first was the original 2-Reel version from 1915 and the second was the "feature length" version released in the 1920's by Essanay with added footage having nothing to do with Chaplin. I am rating Chaplin's original 2-reel ... read moreversion.

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Critic Reviews

Phil Hall
August 3, 2007
Phil Hall, Film Threat

Even Charlie Chaplin could make a dud film. Full Review

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