Charlie Chaplin begins his film career at Keystone for $150 a week

It Happened on
December 16, 1913

Charlie Chaplin began his career in the film industry in 1913, working for Keystone Studios, a pioneering film studio based in Los Angeles. At Keystone, Chaplin appeared in a series of short, slapstick comedies, many of which were directed by Mack Sennett, the founder of the studio.

Chaplin’s first film for Keystone was “Making a Living,” which was released in 1914. In this film, Chaplin played a dandy who tries to pick up a wealthy woman, only to be mistaken for a burglar and chased by the police.

Over the next few years, Chaplin made over 35 films for Keystone, including many of his most famous comedies, such as “The Kid,” “The Tramp,” and “The Bank.” These films established Chaplin as one of the most popular and influential comedians of the silent era, and helped to pave the way for his later work as a director, actor, and producer.