Stealing Chaplin is a fun homage to noir, crime comedy, and the general debauchery and strangeness that Vegas conjures. It’s inspired by a true story; back in 1978, two men dug up the corpse of Charlie Chaplin, convinced they’d be able to secure a cool $600,000 in ransom. Director Paul Tanter and writers Doug Phillips and Simon Phillips ask what would happen if the Chaplin corpse heist took place in present-day Vegas. 

The writers also co-star in the wild ride of a movie, playing dimwitted (but with excellent chemistry) Brits Cal and Terry, who owe an evil loan shark a sizable sum. If they don’t deliver what’s owed, they most certainly face being dumped in the Nevada desert — most likely not in one piece. 

While, of course, Chaplin himself is merely an inciting incident, his presence is evident throughout the film. Thematically, a Chaplin quote introduces the story: “Whoever lives, gambles with life.” Instantly, the viewer knows Cal and Terry’s journey will not be an easy one.

It is, however, a charming one; the pair are not afraid to embrace physical comedy and the joke (the joke — and sometimes literal punch — reminiscent not only of a madcap Chaplin film, but a noir crime comedy à la fast-paced Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels). Tanter’s hope for the interspersed quotes was that they would create the sense that Chaplin’s invisible hand was guiding viewers through the movie.

The filmmakers not only faced taking on an indie in the city of lights, but also releasing at the tail end of the pandemic. Tanter says that in some ways, the pandemic gave the little indie some big shots.

“A tiny indie like Stealing Chaplin doesn’t usually get a theatrical release, but the pandemic meant movie theaters in the U.K. and U.S. were pulling their releases, so we were able to do deals directly with the theater chains and released across more than 20 states," he said.

"The flip side of that is that because we were still in the pandemic, there were less people visiting the theaters that were open. But a theatrical release is still a badge of honor we’ll happily wear.”

Stealing Chaplin is not only an excellent tribute to the man himself, but it feels like a true Vegas story. There are memorable moments in a strip club; a diner that feels like it could only be found just off the Las Vegas Strip, and a lovely scene with Wayne Newton, who proves he’s truly a romantic at heart. Nonetheless, the movie was not originally conceived for Vegas. 

"Simon’s had the story knocking around in his head for years and originally wanted to do a straight drama called Checkpoint Charlie set in Switzerland in 1978, which is where and when the real events took place," Tanter said.

"When he first told me the story, I had to double-check it was real and not an urban legend! As we discussed it, it soon became apparent that the absurdity of the story lends itself so well to a dark comedy caper. So we contemporized it and decided to set it in a place that embodies schemes, scams and the desire to get rich quick — Las Vegas!”

Behind the scenes, the crew even found a film fairy godfather in Newton. 

"Not only is he great in the film and gives it the real Las Vegas feel, but he also saved us mid-shoot. The cemetery we were due to film the grave-digging scene at cancelled on us with just two days notice. So we were all hands to the pump trying to find a new cemetery," Tanter said.

"Wayne asked us if we would like to use his backyard. We laughed and scoffed a little bit; 'I think we need something a bit bigger than a backyard!' He smiled and said, 'Come and see it and see what you think.' Two nights later we were digging a very deep hole in the middle of his 27-acre, lush, green horse ranch in Vegas. It was so generous of him. I’m pleased the film became a Newton family affair, too; with his daughter Lauren brilliantly playing the surly, gum-chewing waitress and his wife, Kat, stepping in at the last moment to play a TV news reporter.” 

The heart of the film absolutely lies with Cal and Terry. The writers were smart to craft to their strengths and it’s often a joy to watch the two riff, whether it’s dressed as chaplains running a scheme to get people to donate to leprosy victims, charming the local diner waitress, or literally digging a grave. Despite their grifts, they are fun to root for; even if their stupidity seemingly brings problem after problem upon them.

Tanter agrees.

"They have a great chemistry in real life and this is really reflected onscreen. Doug wrote characters that could play on their existing relationship in a heightened way. And it works wonderfully."

And — buckle up, audience — as their problems deepen, so does some level of violence and chaos as Vegas (and those who want debts settled) makes them pay for their sins. 

Tanter says he feels Chaplin himself would appreciate the efforts of the film. 

"Chaplin really was a pioneer and had a can-do attitude when it came to filmmaking that’s an inspiration to indie filmmakers. I think he’d really like Stealing Chaplin. The film is full of nods and Easter eggs to him and his work; some of which are major plot points, and some of which are fun, silly little homages," he said.

Stealing Chaplin absolutely embodies a scrappy indie spirit that wills it through the harsh Vegas desert, and the dangerous terrain of a Vegas inhabited deeply by mobsters, train wrecks, schemes, and two brothers hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Bring your change for the slot machines because Stealing Chaplin has come to collect. 

Stealing Chaplin is now on digital platforms and DVD across North America.