Equal portions prankster, browbeaten public pariah and schmaltzy sap, Charlie Chaplin's appeal lies not only in his ingenious farce but in his flouting of authority, status and custom. Every comedy short Chaplin helmed at Mutual Studios turns into a funnyman seminar as he explores the slapstick potential of a hodgepodge of props and circumstances. Volume 2 includes "The Count," "The Vagabond," "The Fireman" and "Behind the Screen."

Equal portions prankster, browbeaten public pariah and schmaltzy sap, Charlie Chaplin's appeal lies not only in his ingenious farce but in his flouting of authority, status and custom. Every comedy short Chaplin helmed at Mutual Studios turns into a funnyman seminar as he explores the slapstick potential of a hodgepodge of props and circumstances. Volume 3 includes "One A.M.," "The Pawn Shop," "The Floorwalker" and "The Rink."