Following the release of the Chaplin at Keystone DVD Collection, for which I prepared a bonus feature program posted elsewhere on this blog, Kevin Dale contacted me wondering if Chaplin had filmed the opening scene from his inaugural film Making a Living in front of the home adjoining the Keystone Studio. The Keystone Studio environs frequently appear in Keystone productions, and after studying all of the details, I am convinced Kevin is correct. Assuming they filmed Making a Living in sequence, this marks the very first scene of Chaplin’s entire career. The site is now a driveway to a Jack-in-the-Box restaurant, while the main filming stage remains in use today as a Public Storage warehouse.
Chaplin’s first scene from Making A Living.
View of the Keystone Studio. The large stage with the sign on the roof is still standing.
A comparison of details likely confirming the location. Notice the matching square details of the front porch steps, and the second palm tree to the left adjacent to the driveway.
The site is located approximately at 1710 Glendale Boulevard in Echo Park. Bing Maps Bird’s Eye – © 2010 NAVTEQ, Pictometry Bird’s Eye © 2010 Pictometry International Corp., © 2010 Microsoft Corporation.
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