Bangville Police

film by Lehman [1913]

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July 22, 2026

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The film "Bangville Police" (1913) is an early example of a slapstick comedy featuring the Keystone Kops. These were a group of famously incompetent police officers in Mack Sennett's silent films, known for their ill-fitting uniforms and zealous, yet clumsy, pursuit of criminals. The Keystone Kops became an iconic part of American film history, representing a humorous irreverence for authority. "Bangville Police" is often cited as the first film to prominently feature this comedic troupe, which also included future stars like Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle. These short films, typically one or two reels, relied on visual gags and fast-paced chases for their humor.12

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Keystone Kops
…had a central role in Bangville Police (1913), which is often cited as the first Keystone Kops film. All the movies were one- or two-reel short films. The Kops were typically comic bits added to movies rather than being integral to the plots.
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…had a central role in Bangville Police (1913), which is often cited as the first Keystone Kops film. All the movies were one- or two-reel short films. The Kops were typically comic bits added to movies rather than being integral to the plots.
Read More