Over the years I’ve researched and written extensively on the underrated work of silent movie actress Mabel Normand, Hollywood’s first film comedienne and female director. I’m now happy to report that she is finally being recognized for her many accomplishments. During November 11-12 the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, located in Fremont, Calif., will be hosting a retrospective of this early film pioneer.

The character of The Tramp, played by Charlie Chaplin, turned 100 today. He was born on February 7th, 1914 in the short film by Henry Lehrman called "Kids auto races at Venice, Cal." Sir Charles Chaplin performs the character that would make him famous for the very first time. In the film he is seen wandering randomly in the middle of a car race and starting--as would be predicted--all kinds of shenanigans, provocatively walking in the middle of traffic

There has been some recent research by film historians, silent movie academics and classic comedy buffs who have explored the idea that Chaplin and his most enduring character and image, “The Tramp” may not have been his own concept. The theory is that it was, in fact, the brainchild of the most underrated film person in history, silent-movie actress and Hollywood's first female director and producer, Mabel Normand. It was true