The production of the film was not without problems, however. According to Moving Picture World of September 25th, 1915, the schooner, Vaquero, which Chaplin rented for the film, broke a shaft. The nearest launch to rescue them was five miles away. So, the company, which included Edna Purviance, had to spend the night on the stormy sea with no food or water. Two members of the party, Essanay Producer Jesse Robbins & Lou Trimbly (?), took off in a rowboat to get help, but nearly drowned when the boat capsized. A wireless station in Venice tried to signal the ship, but the vessel was not outfitted with wireless. They semaphored and Chaplin sent back the following message: "Help! We're starving and thirsty." Eventually, all were rescued.
This is one of my favorites, too, Jess. My favorite part is his hornpipe (I think that is what it is called) dance. I always wonder if people were laughing while it was being filmed.
ReplyDeleteI must say, that this movie always makes me feel alittle seasick as well, not only with the rocking of the boat, but the guy who pours the oil from the lamp on his salad. And what was it with Chaplin and seasickness? Wasn't he "seasick" in his little bit in "Countess" as well?
I don't think I knew the problems encountered while filming "Shanghaied". Thanks for that!
DOR
Hi, Dor!
DeleteI like the hornpipe dance too--when I'm not dizzy from the rocking boat! This one does tend to make me a little seasick.
"A Day's Pleasure" is a close 2nd for me as far as parts of it making me feel a bit sick.
DeleteOne thing that bothers me about the movie ("Shanghaied) -- don't they blow up Edna's father? Or am I making that up?
No, he doesn't get blown up but they kick him over the speedboat at the end.
DeleteOooh. Dem sailor pants is sexy.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I've heard of this film existing.