Review of The Gold Rush (1925) by Jiana W — 10 Oct 2011

This is my favorite Chaplin film. I saw it years ago in a film analysis class and loved it then. I re-watched it recently and was a little disappointed in the version I watched. The DVD I rented is from "The Chaplin Collection" and I found out very soon that it was the re-released 1942 version, in which the film has a score and narration. I searched the features for the original but couldn't find it. The narration is unncessary, intrusive and irritating, initially. As the film goes on, it fades off a bit and I was able to enjoy the movie once I got used to it.

The story is cute and sweet and, of course, hilarious. I really think this is the gateway movie to Charlie Chaplin fandom. If you can stomach black and white, (predominately) silent films then you'll surely fall in love with the Little Tramp.

I may be wrong, but I think I remember the original version being much longer....? I'd like to watch that one again but this one is fine too, once you get over the narrator.