In January 1915, Charlie Chaplin signed a contract with the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company in Chicago, which resulted in the production of thirteen more films. Creative independence freed Chaplin from having to submit to the visions of others.
The new company gave him greater freedom to create his own films.
Charlie Chaplin slowly began assembling his small, permanent team; Ben Turpin, Leo White, Bud Jamison, Billy Armstrong, Fred Goodwins, and Paddy McGuire joined him in the films he directed.
However, the most important task was finding an actress who could become the star of Chaplin's films. […] Edna Purviance […]. She was blonde, beautiful, and serious, and she immediately captivated Chaplin. […] Over the next eight years, she appeared with him in thirty-five films and proved to be his most captivating star.