The Tramp struggles to live in modern industrial society with the help of a young homeless woman.The Tramp struggles to live in modern industrial society with the help of a young homeless woman.The Tramp struggles to live in modern industrial society with the help of a young homeless woman.
- Awards
- 4 wins & 1 nomination
Videos1
Charles Chaplin
- A Factory Workeras A Factory Worker
- (as Charlie Chaplin)
Tiny Sandford
- Big Billas Big Bill
- (as Stanley Sandford)
Richard Alexander
- Prison Cellmateas Prison Cellmate
- (as Dick Alexander)
Mira McKinney
- Minister's Wifeas Minister's Wife
- (as Myra McKinney)
Murdock MacQuarrie
- J. Widdecombe Billowsas J. Widdecombe Billows
- (as Murdoch McQuarrie)
Edward LeSaint
- Sheriff Couleras Sheriff Couler
- (as Ed Le Sainte)
Sammy Stein
- Turbine Operatoras Turbine Operator
- (as Sam Stein)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- See more cast details at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- Trivia(at around 48 mins) Sir Charles Chaplin devoted eight days to filming the department store roller-skating scene where he skates blindfolded on the edge of the fourth floor, coming within inches of falling over the edge into the deep stairwell below. The dangerous large drop was actually a painted scene on a pane of glass carefully placed in front of the camera to align with the existing set and create the illusion of great height.
- GoofsAfter going on break, he turns both wrenches in the same direction. Before that he appears to be tightening them in opposite directions.
- Quotes
A gamin: [Last lines] What's the use of trying?
A factory worker: Buck up - never say die. We'll get along.
- Alternate versionsThe said 33 seconds last minute removal is this: "After the girl takes the diamond from the fat man, she had it checked and she found out that it was a fake diamond."
- ConnectionsFeatured in For the First Time (1967)
- SoundtracksHallelujah, I'm a Bum
(uncredited)
Music from the traditional folk song "Revive Us Again"
Top review
Hilarious work of genius
Hilarious, touching, anarchic, revolutionary, realist, surreal, of its time, timeless - Modern Times is a multifaceted work of genius. When it's over and you recall the number of sight gags and magic sequences Chaplin has packed into 85 minutes, it is incredible - the conveyer belt and nut turning; Chaplin caught in the cogwheels; the feeding machine; the Red Flag march; the "nose powder"; the roller skating ballet; the waiter with tray caught up in the dance (my favourite); the gibberish song - and many more. Then there is his mixing of silent and sound techniques, making the best of both worlds, not falling between stools as some directors might have done.
Of course, there is also a political and social dimension; many of the scenes refer to the impact of technical advances, of bureaucracy, and of the then current depression, on the ordinary "little man". And it is the little man, the individual caught up in society's complex machinery, whom Chaplin championed. He may have sympathised with left-wing political parties and unions in so far as they supported ordinary working people, but Chaplin's essential beliefs are enshrined in the final "words" and shot, with him telling Paulette Godard, that she should keep smiling, they will get along, as they walk, a couple of individuals, into an uncertain future. Beyond politics, the individual has to rely on his or her own resources and spirit to survive.
Of course, there is also a political and social dimension; many of the scenes refer to the impact of technical advances, of bureaucracy, and of the then current depression, on the ordinary "little man". And it is the little man, the individual caught up in society's complex machinery, whom Chaplin championed. He may have sympathised with left-wing political parties and unions in so far as they supported ordinary working people, but Chaplin's essential beliefs are enshrined in the final "words" and shot, with him telling Paulette Godard, that she should keep smiling, they will get along, as they walk, a couple of individuals, into an uncertain future. Beyond politics, the individual has to rely on his or her own resources and spirit to survive.
helpful•5241
- Geofbob
- Aug 27, 2001
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- The Masses
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,500,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $163,577
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $35,809
- Dec 28, 2003
- Gross worldwide
- $462,337
- Runtime1 hour 27 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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