The Gold Rush (1925)

The Gold Rush (1925)

When Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush was initially released in 1925, the director exclaimed, “This is the film I want to be remembered for!” Well Mr. Chaplin, we definitely remember you for this film. Even though he made many excellent films after this film’s release, pundits consider this his greatest achievement. I was enamored with the film myself. For a silent film, it had a character-driven narrative and did not solely rely upon Chaplin’s familiar humor, which remains excellent as always.

There are two versions that the public is aware about; the 1925 silent version and a version edited by Chaplin in 1942 made for the audience that has grown accustomed to sound. He added a score and he made tweaks including changing the ending. Personally, I think the original version is the best because I really do adore the ending. Apparently, the ending was shot in terms of how Chaplin’s love life was at the time. Both versions are incredible, but my preferable version was released in 1925.

Chaplin, who also wrote the script, attempted to shoot the film on location in California. He eventually had to abandon those plans and shot the film on the studio’s backlot. This movie features some well known comedy acts that you always hear about especially if you’re taking a film class. We have the boot-eating scene, the roll dance, and the cabin in the storm sequence. These scenes were shot very well. Because of Chaplin’s famous obsessive-compulsive disorder, it took more than 60 takes to shoot the shoe-eating segment. Yes, Chaplin wanted perfection and he often got it! This film happened to be the most expensive and longest comedy film at the time. 95 minutes does not sound much, but it was definitely new for those folks. Fortunately, the film became a box-office smash and is one of the silent film’s most profitable pictures.

The Little Tramp, or the Lone Prospector (Charlie Chaplin) is on his way to the Klondike to search for some gold. Conditions are brutal and there is little in the way of food or gold. He goes to the cabin where he meets Big Jim McKay and Black Larsen (who is wanted by the authorities). With no food available, Thanksgiving dinner consists only of a boot. When the Little Tramp finally reaches town, he meets Georgia (Georgia Hale). He falls in love with her, but he seems to have some competition for her heart. Can the Tramp strike it rich and win over Georgia’s heart?

Chaplin is Chaplin and he does his thing very well. Watching his performance, one can easily see why he is one of the best comedians and performers to grace this planet. No words express his comedic genius here. It’s all about body movement and facial expressions that make us laugh. In today’s age, that is beyond impressive. I was laughing and smiling throughout. That is how amazing Chaplin is. As for the supporting performances, they are excellent. Georgia Hale, who admired Chaplin for an incredibly long time, gives Chaplin an excellent female pairing.

Let’s say you have never seen a Chaplin film and you wanted a recommendation. I would not hesitate to allow myself to choose this film. It’s funny and features all the legendary comedy Chaplin would be famous for. That said, it has a character-driven narrative that is dramatic and emotional, and Chaplin pulls it off very well. The Gold Rush is Chaplin at his best and it is not hard to see why you can call this a classic.

My Grade: A