''A Thief Catcher'' is a one-reel 1914 American

comedy film The comedy film is a film genre that emphasizes humor. These films are designed to amuse audiences and make them laugh. Films in this genre typically have a happy ending, with dark comedy being an exception to this rule. Comedy is one of the o ...

, produced by

Mack Sennett Mack Sennett (born Michael Sinnott; January 17, 1880 – November 5, 1960) was a Canadian-American producer, director, actor, and studio head who was known as the "King of Comedy" during his career. Born in Danville, Quebec, he started acting i ...

for his Keystone film company, directed by

Ford Sterling Ford Sterling (born George Stitch; November 3, 1883 – October 13, 1939) was an American comedian and actor best known for his work with Keystone Studios. One of the 'Big 4', he was the original chief of the Keystone Cops. Early years Sterli ...

, and starring Sterling,

Mack Swain Mack Swain (born Moroni Swain; February 16, 1876 – August 25, 1935) was a prolific early United States, American film actor, who appeared in many of Mack Sennett’s comedies at Keystone Studios, including the Keystone Cops series. He also ...

Edgar Kennedy Edgar Livingston Kennedy (April 26, 1890 – November 9, 1948) was an American comedic character actor who appeared in at least 500 films during the silent and sound eras. Professionally, he was known as "Slow Burn", owing to his ability to por ...

, and

Charles Chaplin Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin (16 April 188925 December 1977) was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film. He became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, the Tramp, and is considered ...

as a Keystone Cop.

Plot

Three armed burglars stop atop an embankment to divide the loot from a recent crime. When one of the men complains about how the shares are split, a fight erupts. The complainer is eventually pushed over the embankment by the other two thieves. By chance, a police chief (Ford Sterling) who was out with his dog and his camera, takes a photo of the burglars. They spot him and pursue him. Eventually the police chief flees unknowingly to a barn which the burglars have been using as their hideout. The police chief appears to be cornered in the barn but he dispatches a note with his dog who takes it to police headquarters. The bumbling police force arrives and eventually captures the burglars, but not without considerable difficulty. A Thief Catcher

Cast

: Chief *

: Policeman (uncredited) *

William Hauber William Carl HauberWalker, Brent (2010). Mack Sennett's Fun Factory : A history and filmography of his studio and his Keystone and Mack Sennett comedies, with biographies of players and personnel'. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. p. 512 ...

: Policeman (uncredited) *

George Jeske George Washington Jeske (February 22, 1891 – October 28, 1951) was an American screenwriter, film director, director, and actor. Career Jeske was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1891. He was one of the original Keystone Cops for Mack Sennett. ...

: Policeman (uncredited) *

: Crook (uncredited) * Rube Miller: Policeman (uncredited) *

: Crook (uncredited)

Preservation status

The film was believed lost, and Chaplin's appearance was unknown, until a vintage 16mm print was discovered by director/film historian Paul E. Gierucki in 2010 at a Michigan antique sale. Chaplin had stated in interviews that he had played a bit-role as a policeman while at Keystone Studios.

References

External links

* 1914 films 1914 comedy films 1914 short films 1910s American films 1910s English-language films 1910s police comedy films 1910s rediscovered films American black-and-white films Articles containing video clips English-language comedy short films Films directed by Ford Sterling Films produced by Mack Sennett Keystone Studios films Rediscovered American films Silent American comedy short films Surviving American silent films 1914 crime films {{1910s-short-comedy-film-stub

Plot

Cast

Preservation status

See also

References

External links