Filmed during the 1916 Sydney Royal Easter Show (18-26 April) by John Gavin for the Famous Films Company, Charlie at the Sydney Show features emerging vaudeville comedian Ern Vockler as Charlie Chaplin.
The film’s scenario, conceived by Agnes Gavin, involves a 'supposed' visit to the show by Chaplin. He subsequently becomes entangled in various escapades. Ern Vockler provided additional material based on his own stage performances.
The film was first exhibited at Waddington’s Glaciarium, Sydney, on 15 May, only a matter of weeks after shooting ended.
[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]
Ern Vockler had conceived the idea of presenting an impersonation of the Hollywood star for the vaudeville stage in early 1915. His earliest recorded performance was at the Princess Theatre, Sydney in March that year (under the Brennan-Fuller management).
This entry has been sourced from research undertaken by Dr Clay Djubal into Australian-written popular music theatre (ca. 1850-1930). See also the Australian Variety Theatre Archive
