Charlie Chaplin's "The Floorwalker" (1916)

"The Floorwalker" is a 1916 silent film that marks a significant entry in Charlie Chaplin's illustrious career, as it introduced his first mutual comedy film. In this pioneering work, Chaplin plays a tramp who stumbles into a department store and unwittingly becomes embroiled in both comedic chaos and a case of managerial embezzlement.

The film is notable for its inventive use of the department store setting, which provides a new environment for Chaplin's signature slapstick comedy. This includes the innovative use of escalators which Chaplin turns into a stage for his physical comedy genius. "The Floorwalker" also introduces elements of mistaken identity and a chase sequence that would become staples in many of Chaplin’s later films.

As the Tramp character navigates through various store departments, his interactions with the store manager and a mirror sequence are particularly memorable, offering a blend of humor and critique of modern consumer culture. "The Floorwalker" is celebrated for its clever and seamless blend of physical comedy and social commentary, showcasing Chaplin's burgeoning talent in film comedy and narrative construction.