Charley Chase Megapack Jun 2026
They are presented in their original Black & White format. The sets feature digital restorations but preserve the original 1.33:1 full-screen aspect ratio of the 1920s.
For classic movie buffs, the technical presentation of a MegaPack is just as important as the content. For decades, Charley Chase films were relegated to grainy, washed-out public domain VHS tapes and early DVDs.
“For all of us.” She folded her gloved hands. “We used to leave pieces of ourselves inside the films. Not on purpose — it’s how we made sure someone else remembered who we were.” Her voice was small but steady. “Sometimes we kept them out of fear. Sometimes out of love. The Megapack gathers these things. It was meant for the Keeper.” Charley Chase MegaPack
The early days of cinema were defined by silent slapstick, pie-throwing, and chaotic chases. Amidst the larger-than-life personas of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd, one comedian quietly revolutionized the genre with sophisticated, situational humor. That man was Charley Chase.
Charley Chase (born Charles Parrott) was unique among silent film stars because he played a relatively "normal" everyman rather than a cartoonish character. His comedy relied on intricate plots, social faux pas, and mistaken identities rather than pure slapstick. Key Films and Shorts They are presented in their original Black & White format
The Crescent stayed open. People still came to see comedies, but they also came for the quieter reels — the ones where a hand reached out, not to push a bucket but to steady someone’s balance. Charley found that his work changed him: he laughed more loudly, forgave more quickly, and grew less inclined to keep apologies in his coat pocket.
The Architecture of Embarrassment: A Master of Situation Comedy For decades, Charley Chase films were relegated to
This article explores the life of Charley Chase, the enduring brilliance of his comedy, what makes a "MegaPack" collection an essential addition to your library, and why his timeless humor still resonates today. Who Was Charley Chase?
If you were to buy only one set, this is widely considered the best starting point. Released in 2012 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Chase's film debut, this 2-disc collection features over five hours of his finest silent work from his peak years at Hal Roach. Its crown jewel is (1926), a masterpiece of farce selected for preservation by the Library of Congress' National Film Registry. It also features other beloved shorts like April Fool , Bad Boy , Mama Behave , and The Uneasy Three (which is exclusive to this set, sourced from a MoMA 35mm print). With insightful commentary, this set is "essential viewing for anyone interested in silent comedy".
The Charley Chase MegaPack is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it is a vital piece of entertainment history. It proves that true comedy is timeless, and that the embarrassments, anxieties, and triumphs of the ordinary human condition will always be worth laughing at.
If you are looking for the "deep cuts" of the , look for Kino's The Charley Chase Collection Volumes 1 & 2 . These are shorter (around 5-6 shorts per disc) but feature gems like His Wooden Wedding and Crazy Like a Fox . They are an excellent supplement to the larger box sets.
