The Haunted Lounge 1909
One of the earliest surviving silent comedies in American cinema, *The Haunted Lounge (1909)* delivers a whimsical chase through vintage chaos. Directed by Gilbert M.
Director: Gilbert M. Anderson
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Haunted Lounge (1909) about?
*The Haunted Lounge* follows a desperate tramp who hides in a folding chair, only to trigger a chain of absurd events. The chair changes hands several times, each owner convinced it's haunted, before it winds up in the home of a policeman who becomes the chair's unwilling rider. The film's climax sees the chair rolling through hallways and into the night in a slapstick escape.
Who directed The Haunted Lounge?
The short was directed by Gilbert M. Anderson, a pioneer of early American cinema known for his work in the silent film era.
Who stars in The Haunted Lounge?
The film stars Ben Turpin, a silent-era comedian famous for his cross-eyed antics and physical comedy.
Is The Haunted Lounge (1909) worth watching?
*The Haunted Lounge* may be brief, but it's a charming slice of cinema history worth a peek. As an early silent comedy with clever visual gags and a spirited chase, it offers a glimpse into the playful origins of filmmaking. While it won't rival modern blockbusters, its novelty and humor make it a delightful curiosity for silent film fans.
How long is The Haunted Lounge?
The Haunted Lounge runs for 5 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Haunted Lounge (1909) — A Silent Comedy Classic with a Folding Chair Full of Surprises
One of the earliest surviving silent comedies in American cinema, *The Haunted Lounge (1909)* delivers a whimsical chase through vintage chaos. Directed by Gilbert M. Anderson, the five-minute short stars Ben Turpin as a hapless tramp who hides from the law in a seemingly ordinary folding lounge—only to discover it harbors a mischievous spirit. As the lounge changes owners, each buyer assumes it's haunted by supernatural forces, unaware that the real prankster is the film's clever trick photography. From a cluttered second-hand shop to the home of a bewildered policeman, the lounge takes on a life of its own, gliding across floors, down stairs, and into the night with its bewildered passenger clinging on for dear life.
The film blends slapstick humor with early cinematic illusions, creating a lighthearted romp that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly modern in its absurdity. Its playful themes of mistaken identity and supernatural mischief reflect the innocent, experimental spirit of early 20th-century filmmaking.