Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Any Charlie Chaplin fans here?

Just curious. Kind of in a nostalgic mood this morning. Not that I'm old enough to remember Chaplin's films, mind you, but I feel they are timeless classics. Came across this review and it sparked some kind of fire. I know many nowadays have no interest in silent movies, but there are many excellent and universally appealing old flicks. I have a great appreciation and respect for a lot of these old movies and would hate to see them die off in oblivion.

If any of you haven't seen a silent film, give it a try. Chaplin's films are magical and work to remind us just how special this medium is.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. . .

City Lights and Modern Times are certainly great, great movies. I also like a lot The Great Dictator, but that is a talkies.

Thanks for the link to the review. Chaplins films are treasures and great change of pace from modern films.

Woohoo! Thanks guys. I feel better knowing there are at least a couple of us that have seen and like some of Chaplin's stuff. Of course, he is not the only one that put out great stuff, but he's a great starting point for anyone wanting to discover the silent era.

He was a creative and performance genius. I've seen a ton of his stuff. Loved City Lights, The Gold Rush, Modern Times,The Great Dictator, and numerous one reelers. Though The Great Dictator was a talkie, the silent (other than music) scene of Hinkel (Hitler) juggling the world globe was sheer brilliance. I have a Modern Times poster on my wall, and a Great Dictator poster waiting to go up.

He also wrote a lot of the music used in his films. His best known song, probably, is Smile. He composed the music but didn't write the lyrics.

Smile, though your heart is aching.
Smile, even though it's breaking.
Though there are clouds in the sky,
you get by...

If you smile through your fears and sorrows.
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through.

If you just light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear may be ever, ever so near.

That's the time you must keep on trying.
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find life is worthwhile
If you'll just smile, come on and smile.

If you just smile.

As the article points out, Keaton is another silent artist worthy of investigation. Check out The General, Steamboat Bill, Jr., and The Cameraman. And, NO, I didn't see them in the theaters when they were first released.

Absolutely! "The General" is one of my favorites. Keaton's stunts are still thrilling to me. One of the original daredevils.