Few icons of the twentieth century understood tragedy and heartbreak as Chaplin did. His first feature film, A WOMAN OF PARIS is a must-see for any fans of his other works. A critical success, yet loathed at the box office due its omission of his universally beloved Tramp character, historians believe that had he taken his name off it, it would be remembered as one of the great films of the era.

Marie St. Clair (Edna Purviance) is in love with bohemian artist Jean (Carl Miller), Jean’s parents however, disapprove. Planning to elope in Paris, Jean father’s dies suddenly and Marie, unaware of the grave situation, travels to Paris alone. There she lives of life elegance and joie de vivre, attending parties as the girlfriend of a rich industrialist (Adolphe Menjou). Chance has it that she meets Jean once again, forcing her to choose between true love and a comfortable life of luxury.

Meant to boost Purviance’s stardom—a gift from Chaplin, her comedic partner and on again off again lover—the film did little for her career, although it did launch Menjou as a popular box office attraction. Regardless, Purviance’s performance is mesmerizing and represents the perfect confluence of Chaplin’s command over the medium and her ability to elicit empathy. – ALICIA FLETCHER

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