One of Charlie Chaplin’s most memorable and successful silent films was The Gold Rush (1925, re-released 1942). It has stood the test of time because it is more than a simple comedy. It is a story about a lonely character that desperately wants to feel loved.
The Tramp has fallen for a saloon girl named Georgia that does not share the same level of affection. He attempts to woo her over dinner where Chaplin performs the iconic Bread Roll dance, but she is hesitant because of his status. Most of the physical comedy takes place in a cabin occupied by Big Jim (Mack Swain), and later a wanted criminal named Black Larsen (Tom Murray). The sequences between the three actors are hilarious, especially when the cabin is teetering on the edge of a cliff.
Chaplin understood his audiences then, and seemingly understands his audiences today because The Gold Rush continues to strike it rich.
WORD COUNT: 154
Adam’s Grade: A
Chuck’s Grade: A
Fast Forward Film Reviews 