The Champion (1915) starring Charlie Chaplin, Edna Purviance, Bud Jamison, Leo White
In The Champion, poor and hungry, Charlie Chaplin the Little Tramp goes on a walk with his dog. And finds a “good luck” horseshoe. He then tries to become a sparring partner for a boxer. But he has no success until he hides his horseshoe in his boxing glove! He defeats — and chases away — the boxer. The then decides to go for the boxing championship. Refusing to throw the fight, and falling in love with the trainer’s daughter, he finally makes it into the ring for the big fight!
The Champion is a very funny Charlie Chaplin silent film. It tells the improbably story of a penniless hobo defeating a boxer. And then, going on to defeat the champion! It’s not so odd, since Charlie’s hiding a horseshoe in his glove. However, what is odd is that Charlie turns down a bribe to throw the fight … multiple times! However, it’s after he’s met & fallen in love with Edna Purviance …
Cast of characters
Charlie Chaplin – The Challenger. Charlie goes from being hungry, to being one of many sparring partners easily defeated, to defeating Spike Dugan! Of course, he does that by hiding a horseshoe in his boxing glove! Funny how nobody ever checks that …
Ernest Van Pelt – Spike Dugan. The boxer who hires, beats up, and throws out a variety of sparring partners. Including Charlie! Until Charlie cheats by sneaking a horseshoe into his boxing glove. And soon Charlie beats him up again, and then chases him away!
Edna Purviance – Trainer’s daughter. And swiftly, Charlie’s romantic interest.
Leo White – Crooked gambler, who wants Charlie to throw the championship fight. Oddly, Charlie refuses. Repeatedly, and humorously, with lots of slapstick.
Bud Jamison – Bob Uppercut, Champion. Yes, Three Stooges fans, that Bud Jamison. The Champion, who fights Charlie fair and square. Unknown to him, Charlie has that horseshoe hidden in his boxing glove!
Lloyd Bacon – Second sparring partner / Referee
Carl Stockdale – Sparring partner
Billy Armstrong – Sparring partner
Paddy McGuire – Sparring partner
Ben Turpin – Ringside vendor