10. Mabel at the Wheel (1914)

Keystone 1914

Mabel at the Wheel was restored at the bfi National Film and Television Archive. Read the Restoration Report.

Synopsis

Charlie plays a pantomime villain in a long frock coat and demonic beard. He competes with Mabel's boyfriend Harry (a burly young racing driver) for her favours and persuades her to accompany him on his motorbike, but loses her going over a bump and deposits her in a puddle. When Charlie kidnaps Harry to prevent him competing in the race, feisty Mabel drives the car herself, hampered by Charlie's attempts to sabotage the race by spraying the track with oil and throwing bombs at the cars. He finally gets his just desserts as he is blown up with one of his own bombs and Mabel wins the day.

chaplin_credits

Directors:

Mabel Normand, Mack Sennett

Scenario:

Mabel Normand, Mack Sennett

Cast:

Charles Chaplin (Villain)

Mabel Normand (Mabel)

Harry McCoy (A Car racer, Mabel's boyfriend)

Chester Conklin (Mabel's father)

Mack Sennett (A Rube)

Edgar Kennedy (Man in stands)

Williaml Hauber (Mabel's co-driver)

? William A.Seiter (Villain's henchman)

? Fred Mace (Dubious character)

? Joe Bordeaux (Dubious character)

Mack Swain (Spectator)

Charley Chase (Spectator) unverified

Alice Davenport (Spectator) unverified

Minta Durfee (Spectator) unverified

Shooting days:

February 26 - March 16

Negative sent from LA:

March 31

Received in New York:

April 6

Released:

April 18 1914

Length:

1900 ft

Other titles:

His Daredevil Queen, A Hot Finish