Max Linder

Acting

Max Linder

Born December 16, 1883 · Cavernes, Saint-Loubès, Gironde, France

Died November 1, 1925 · aged 41

Although all too frequently neglected by fans of silent comedy, Max Linder is in many ways as important a figure as Charles Chaplin, Buster Keaton, or Harold Lloyd, not least because he predated (and influenced) them all by several years, and was largely responsible for the creation of the classic style of silent slapstick comedy. He started out as an actor in the French theatre, but after making…

Known For

Easter ParadeEaster Parade · 1948
Easter Parade
★ 7.01948
MovieRomanceMusic
On the day before Easter in 1911, Don Hewes is crushed when his dancing partner (and object of affection) Nadine Hale refuses to start a new contract with him. To prove Nadine's not important to him, Don acquires innocent new protege Hannah Brown, vowing to make her a star in time for next year's Easter parade.
The Theft of the Mona LisaThe Theft of the Mona Lisa · 1931
The Theft of the Mona Lisa
★ 6.21931
MovieDrama
A painter working at the Louvre is struck by the Mona Lisa. When he meets a girl whom he believes bears a resemblance to the painting, and who wants him to become famous, he comes up with the idea of stealing the painting. Based on the real-life theft of 1911.
Charlie Chaplin, The Genius of LibertyCharlie Chaplin, The Genius of Liberty · 2020
Charlie Chaplin, The Genius of Liberty
★ 8.02020
MovieDocumentary
The whole world knows him. Burlesque comedy genius, popular actor, author, director, producer, composer, choreographer, Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) used his talent to serve an ideal of justice and freedom. But his best scenario was his own destiny, a story written into the political and artistic history of the 20th century.
The Three Must-Get-TheresThe Three Must-Get-Theres · 1922
The Three Must-Get-Theres
★ 6.41922
MovieRomanceComedy
In this movie, Max Linder parodies the famous novel "The Three Musketeers".
Max Learns to SkateMax Learns to Skate · 1907
Max Learns to Skate
★ 5.11907
MovieComedy
Max causes havoc when he joins other skaters on a frozen lake.
Max's First JobMax's First Job · 1910
Max's First Job
★ 5.21910
MovieComedy
Max presents himself with a letter of introduction to Mr. Charles Pathé. He is then passed from hand to hand until he finds himself facing a director who has him do a few tests: singing, dancing, performing a somersault, receiving a slap. Some time later, he is summoned for a screen test. We then see him at odds with his wife and especially his mother-in-law, who end up throwing him out of a window and then successively hurling a table, a wardrobe, a mattress, etc., at him while he is being filmed. Finally, the director asks him to make a face in front of the camera. And that's when Max rebels and turns against his tormentors.
The Way of the WorldThe Way of the World · 1947
The Way of the World
1947
MovieDramaComedy
A long-retired director of early silent films recalls his exciting career as a filmmaker.
Max and His Mother-in-LawMax and His Mother-in-Law · 1911
Max and His Mother-in-Law
★ 5.51911
MovieComedy
Max and his young bride attempt to enjoy an Alpine honeymoon, despite the presence of her mother.

Filmography

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Max Linder Collection 1917-1922Max Linder Collection 1917-1922 · 2014
Max Linder Collection 1917-1922
2014
MovieComedy
Kino Classics and Lobster Films celebrate the legacy of Max Linder, a pioneer of comedy whom Charlie Chaplin referred to as "the great master." With his trademark silk top hat and cane, the French-born Linder blended slapstick with sophistication, and invested his films with a layer of cleverness that elevated them above mere knockabout comedies, paving the way for such multi-dimensional screen comedians as Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd. The collection includes four of Linder's American-made productions, meticulously restored from archival materials: THE THREE MUST-GET-THERES (1922, a parody of The Three Musketeers), SEVEN YEARS BAD LUCK (1921, a masterpiece of physical comedy), and the romantic farces BE MY WIFE (1921) and MAX WANTS A DIVORCE (1917). THE THREE MUST-GET-THERES U.S. 1922 Color Tinted 57 Min. Written and Directed by Max Linder