The Gold Rush (1925)

Gold Rush is the first Charlie Chaplin movie I've seen straight through. While a silent movie is by definition a "dated" movie (never in itself a bad thing, unless paired with irrelevance), I think other family viewers will get some good chuckles out of the Little Tramp here, if my experience is any indication. Our story opens melodramatically (esp. with the 1942 edition's addition of music and gilded narration: "the wind was rroarring" and so on) as rugged would-be gold miners struggle to climb the White Pass into the Klondike; meanwhile, the Little Tramp toddles along a snowy mountain precipice in his suit and tie. He chances upon a gruff goon and a paranoid brute before all three are forced to weather a storm in an isolated cabin together. Mild hijinks ensue; our favorite is Chaplin's running-against-the-wind schtick. Eventually, Chaplin makes it to a frontier town and catches the eye of Georgia, a proud and virtuous dancehall girl. Does he eventually earn his fortune and win her heart? You'll know after watching this bounty on the main filled with physical antics. 3.5 stars. (5-11-09 posted 9-12-09)