Considering the fact that this was Chaplin's last film for Keystone, I wonder if there's any significance in the title and plot regarding how Chaplin really felt about Keystone. It's no secret Chaplin felt constrained by the slapdash slapstick and improvisation of Keystone comedies. Is it possible Chaplin was referring to Keystone in the title: His Prehistoric Past? Chaplin plays a caveman with Mack Swain who is the leader of the cavemen apparently. Chaplin and Swain get into it about Sum-babee, one of Swain's 1000 wives! Chaplin saves her from drowning, and Swain becomes jealous. The final scene seems to comment on the dreamlike year Chaplin had in 1914 making over thirty films for Keystone and becoming famous. Chaplin edited, wrote,and directed the film, which once again shies away from the familiar Slapstick of Keystone for the most part. *1/2 of 4 stars.
Review of His Prehistoric Past
