modern times

1936 ***** 83 mins.

This is, probably, Chaplin's most famous motion picture. This mostly silent film (it contains sound effects, voices filtered through machines, and a gibberish song by Chaplin) is a true masterpiece of filmmaking. For his Little Tramp's last outing (unless you count the Jewish Barber in The Great Dictator), he works as a bolt tightener in a factory. He goes crazy and is institutionalized. He is released and enters the company of a lovely gamin (Paulette Goddard). The remainder of the film consists of the various adventures (and misadventures) the two encounter together.
Number 81 on AFI's 100 Years . . . 100 Movies.
Charles Chaplin is Number 10 on AFI's 100 Years . . . 100 Stars.
Number 33 on AFI's 100 Years . . . 100 Laughs.
Originally Not Rated; since rated G.