TILLIE'S PUNCTURED ROMANCE (1914) B/W "silent" 73m dir: Mack Sennett

w/Marie Dressler, Charles Chaplin, Mabel Normand, Mack Sennett, Mack Swain, Charley Chase, Keystone Kops

TILLIE'S PUNCTURED ROMANCE is historically significant because it was the first full-length silent comedy. But otherwise this is an unexceptional farce with Chaplin playing a character that is not his famed Little Tramp, Charlie.

From Variety's contemporary review of the film: "Tillie's Punctured Romance came from the title role Marie Dressler played in Tillie's Nightmare. She is splendidly supported by the Keystone Company, including Charles Chaplin, Mabel Normand, Mack Sennett, Mack Swain and others. Dressler is the central figure, but Chaplin's camera antics [as a city slicker who tries to steal an inheritance from country girl Dressler] are an essential feature in putting the picture over.

"Mack Sennett directs the picture right well. Dressler wears clothes that make her appear ridiculous. Furthermore she makes gestures and distorts her face in all directions, which help all the more. The picture runs a trifle too long, but the hilarious, hip-hurrah comedy finale is worth waiting for."