Early Chaplin film still question.

[Darren Nemeth]

I'm working on a book about motion picture cameras and need info on this famous photo.

What film is this from?

Also are there other photos of him with similar cameras from the era?

[Richard M Roberts]

I'm working on a book about motion picture cameras and need info on this famous photo.

What film is this from?

Also are there other photos of him with similar cameras from the era?

The camera is a Butcher and Sons Empire #3, which was a British Camera distributed by the Williamson Kinematograph Company, here's another picture:



The still is usually attributed to KID AUTO RACES AT VENICE, but it is shot at the Keystone Studio, which makes me think it was for A FILM JOHNNIE, though there is no such exact scene in the picture. but with Lehrman behind Chaplin, there is not much else it can be, unless it might be a behind the scenes shot from MABEL'S STRANGE PREDICAMENT. It may have been used as a posed shot for KID AUTO RACES as that short was shot so fast and on location, there may have not been any still photos taken, or it may just be a publicity shot in general.


RICHARD M ROBERTS

[Gary Johnson]

I always assumed it was a publicity shot for KID AUTO RACES since Lehrman looks to be still playing the role of the agitated director.

[Richard M Roberts]

I always assumed it was a publicity shot for KID AUTO RACES since Lehrman looks to be still playing the role of the agitated director.

That was no role playing, Lehrman WAS an agitated director, especially when Chaplin was around.


RICHARD M ROBERTS