The Bank (film #2 on His Prehistoric Past/The Bank (Video Yesteryear, 1987). Also, film #27 in the Silent section of Movieflix (www.movieflix.com)). [Category: Early Film & TV]

The Little Tramp is a janitor in a bank, but ends up causing more messes than he cleans up. He is disappointed when pretty bank clerk Edna spurns him, but all turns out well after he bravely thwarts a group of bank robbers (...or does it?). This is Chaplin at his best, getting more comic mileage out of simply carrying a mop than most others can get from a whole roomful of props. The opening gag is priceless, but I won't give it away. Video Yesteryear's genuine movie organ soundtrack is great. A 1915 Essanay film.

Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: *****. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: ***. Overall Rating: ****.