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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1482

Maniac Chase

19048 minUnited States

Synopsis

A patient dressed as Napoleon escapes from a cell and leads his attendants across a series of obstacles. The pursuit circles back toward the institution from which he began.

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Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs: 8:36
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified. No subtitle track in this language.

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Edwin Stanton Porter · Public domain

DirectorsEdwin S. Porter

Historical context

Edison's production remakes the earlier Biograph success The Escaped Lunatic. The chase uses mental illness as a comic premise, reflecting a stereotype common in contemporary entertainment.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 16, 2026.

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