The Champion (1915 film)

The Champion is a comedy film released in 1915 by Essanay Studios, starring Charles Chaplin alongside Edna Purviance and Leo White. Essanay co-owner and star, Broncho Billy Anderson can be seen as an enthusiastic audience member in the boxing match scene.

Plot
In this comedy, Charlie Chaplin has a companion--a pet bulldog. Walking along a street with his bulldog, Charlie finds a "good luck" horseshoe just as he passes the training camp of an enormous fighter named Spike Dugan. Outside the camp is a large, painted advertisement which states Dugan is seeking sparring partners "who can take a punch." After watching other better fighters be soundly beaten by Dugan, Charlie decides his best bet is to put the horseshoe inside his boxing glove. Using the loaded glove, Charlie connects with a solid punch and wins. The trainer prepares Charlie to fight the world champion. A gambler wants Charlie to throw the fight. He and the trainer's daughter fall in love.

Cast

 * Charles Chaplin - Challenger
 * Edna Purviance - Trainer's daughter
 * Ernest Van Pelt - Spike Dugan
 * Lloyd Bacon - Second sparring partner / Referee
 * Leo White - Crooked gambler
 * Carl Stockdale - Sparring partner
 * Billy Armstrong - Sparring partner
 * Paddy McGuire - Sparring partner
 * Bud Jamison - Bob Uppercut, Champion
 * Ben Turpin - Ringside vendor