Charlie Chaplin's first appearance in a motion picture by the public was in the Keystone comedy Making a Living, released on 2 February, 1914.
The familiar and beloved Little Tramp character is not to be found in this knock-about farce from Mack Sennett's comedy factory. Chaplin plays a very different type in his motion picture debut.
Making a Living was directed by Henry "Pathe" Lehrman (nicked named "Pathe" by D.W. Griffith himself, for Lehman lied about working with the French company Pathe in order to be hired whe he started with Griffith and Biograph in New York years before...).
Chaplin (left) and Henry "Pathe" Lehrman (right).
Making a Living features Chaplin as a sharp swindler "Edgar English", Virginia Kirtley as the daughter, Alice Davenport as the Mother, Henry Lehrman as the Reporter, Minta Durfee as the Woman and Chester Conklin as the Policeman (and as a bum). The infamous Keystone Cops also make an appearance and help give chase at the end.
Here is a print of the film:
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