comments left by viewers of the footage , so far , range from ‘ secret government operations ’ theories to the decidedly less sinister : ‘ i think it ’s a crazy old person talking into her hand - held vibrator .
the lady features in the dvd extras of charlie chaplin ’s the circus ( youtube ) belfast native – and self - confessed ‘ massive chaplin fan ’ – george clarke posted the 1928 footage on the video - sharing site , revealing that when he first saw the clip he ‘ could n’t believe his eyes ’ .
this was 2010 's youtube phenomenon of the year - old .
i have studied this film for over a year now - showing it to over 100 people and at a film festival , yet no - one can give any explanation as to what she is doing .
‘ i have been studying this footage for over a year now and i just ca n’t explain it .
a youtube clip that appears to show an extra in charlie chaplin film the circus talking on a mobile phone has led one movie buff to conclude the spooky lady is proof that time travel is possible .
 
attending the premiere at manns chinese theatre in hollywood , ca - the scene shows a large woman dressed in black with a hat hiding most of her face , with what can only be described as a mobile phone device - talking as she walks alone .
this short film is about a piece of footage i ( george clarke ) found behind the scenes in charlie chaplins film ' the circus ' .