Unless you’re living under a rock, you could’ve already stumbled upon the great Charlie Chaplin and his comedic acts. Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin, for most of his acting years, was known for his comedic movies and stints. He was also considered one of the best and famous actors of the early 20th century. Still true to this day, Chaplin’s works have stood the test of time by being able to stay relevant today.
Chaplin started with silent film during the 1910s and up to early Hollywood of the 1960s, and he became a worldwide image due to his persona known as “The Tramp.” It was also considered as one of the most important figures of film history.
Despite Chaplin’s rough childhood, at a young age, he showed his interest in acting and performing. He began touring music halls then started as a stage actor and a comedian afterward. With his talents being discovered, Fred Karno company was able to sign Chaplin and work for them. It was also the same company that took him to America and had him scouted for the film. 1914 is the time when he started appearing for Keystone Studio. Chaplin developed his ever-famous persona, “The Tramp,” which then gained a global fanbase.
Funniest Charlie Chaplin Movies
For an iconic personality like Chaplin, it would be just right to recommend his best and funniest movies. He didn’t become an iconic film figure for anything. His movies were the basis of today’s film standards. So, if you’re planning to run down memory lane, don’t worry; we got your back. Here are some of his greatest and funniest movies ever:
1. A King In New York (1957) – This satire movie mainly concentrated on the “Red Scare” the engrossed the United States during the 1950s. This is also the last movie he starred in, and arguably one of his best works as well.
2. The Pilgrim (1923) – The Pilgrim is primarily about an escaped convict who pretends to be a preacher to avoid being captured. The Pilgrim also shares a board with a woman, who is played by his long-time partner, Edna Purviance. This film had been remembered by many due to its iconic chapters on Chaplin’s life. This was the last film Chaplin made for First National Film Company and also the last one he made with his long-time partner, Edna Purviance.
3. Monsieur Verdoux (1947) – This is one of the movies that flopped in the U.S but was definitely a hit abroad. It flopped due to his American-Soviet relations during World War II. It made the FBI opened an investigation against him; that’s why groups boycotted the film.
4. Limelight (1952) – This follow-up movie was about a semi-autobiographical story of an unsuccessful performer during the World War I era. This became the last movie Chaplin created that was made in the United States; he was unfortunately banned when he was promoting this film.
5. The Circus (1928) – This film was considered one of the best comedic films Chaplin had ever created. Unfortunately, it’s also the time when he had personal tragedies as well. It’s the time when his mother died, got a divorce from his second wife, and an IRS investigation. The film is about The Tramp’s accidental hit of a circus roadshow. This film became one of the highest-grossing of all time.
6. The Gold Rush (1925) – Chaplin mentioned that he wanted to be remembered by this specific film of his. The film circulates a tragic yet comedic adventure of the Tramp being a gold prosecutor during the Klondike Gold Rush.
7. The Kid (1921) – This film revolves around a child that The Tramp found. As the child grew, the affection and love for each other also grew. But, as the child’s mother becomes famous, she began looking for him. The Tramp didn’t want to let go of the boy due to the fatherly feeling he had for him. But towards the end, the mother welcomed The Tramp and the child.
8. The Great Dictator (1940) – This became the doorway for Chaplin to be well known today. The famous lines he had in this film circulated the internet and just went viral. Chaplin starred as a fascist dictator of a fictional Tomania and as a Jewish barber who’s mistaken to be the dictator. The film became famous due to the inspirational speech of the Barber imposing as the dictator. The Barber fervent a plea for world peace, contrasting what the real fascist dictator wants.
9. City Lights (1931) – This film is primarily about The Tramp falling in love with a blind girl and befriending an alcoholic. He tried a variety of jobs and also ended up being in a boxing match, doing anything just to get back with the girl.
10. Modern Times (1936) – This is the last film that The Tramp made an appearance in. It’s also the last time he made remarks about industrialization, which Chaplin thought to be the culprit behind the Great Depression. The film is about the Tramp working as a factory worker who got fired due to a nervous breakdown.
Chaplin’s Rich History
Charlie Chaplin had been the pinnacle of the film industry. Despite the adversaries and criticisms he faced, he continued to do what he firmly believed in. Chaplin’s rich history will be in the books for the longest time, let alone forever. So, while we have these gold but old film creations available, let’s appreciate and share them with everyone.