Customer Reviews

Kid, the+Dogs Life

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's a watchable movie, and it never really does anything wrong, but in my opinion it is simply not as brilliant as many of Chaplin's later movies (ie. The Gold Rush, City Lights). It has its funny moments, but they do not approach anywhere near the pinnacles seen in some of his later works; they provide more of a chuckle than the uncontrollable laughter that results from watching some his later ones.

There were some very touching sceens in the movie, and the acting was pretty good, from both Chaplin and the kid. Still, when I finished watching it, I didn't feel like I had just watched a great movie; I felt like I had watched an acceptable one (there was also a little too much Christian imagery in the film for my taste, but I'll take it as a sign of the times).

Anyway, if you're new to Chaplin I suggest that you see something like City Lights first; this film is fairly good, but it's not among his best.

As for "The Idle Class", it's a pretty good Chaplin short that has its definite highlight in the scene where the tramp goes golfing and finds that he forgot to bring a ball. Needless to say, hilarity ensues!

This is the most charming, touching, story from that genius little fellow Chaplin! There's one scene in the film that you can never forget. Hauntingly beautiful score written by him to boot, how could one man have so many gifts?

The story line and the appearance of little Jackie Coogan make this movie the best of Charlie Chaplin's silent movies. Charlie comes across an orphaned baby and affectionately and innovatively raises him in the midst of poverty of the 1920's.
I enjoyed the 1920's clothing and cars and I continue to be amazed at the creative ability of Charlie Chaplin to tell a story so well with so few words.

Not too bad, but Chaplin's first full length film was more serious than funny. I watch Chaplin only because of funny. But it's still a great film otherwise about a mother who gives up her son and is picked up by the tramp Chaplin. He takes care of him until a doctor warns him about proper care. When the law tries to take the kid away from Chaplin, he does everything he can to retreat him. Finally, the mother and child meet at the end of the film. It also includes an OK Chaplin short where Chaplin plays two roles. One is a rich sort of bachelor to remarry his ex-wife, and one is a tramp who plays golf and comes to a costume party to have some fun, when the two of them mix up. I'm sure people love this film, so buy if you want.

Chaplin's first full time movie, i.e.,The KidVHS ~ Charles Chaplin, mixes slapstick and sentiment in a very winning and convincing combination. He, i.e., Chaplin, plays the role as the Tramp whom is given the task of raising a streetwise orphan. This wonderful and touching movie launched Coogan as a major child star, and when one sees the movie it is easy to see why he was seen as appealing by the movie audience. Highly Recommended.

The Kid is not only one of the Chaplin's best films but also almost his "kid". The film came out after Chaplin's having "a hard labor" of conflicts with his wife at the time and the film company which he was working with. Perhaps what few know is that Chaplin completed the film taking a refuge in an inn in Salt Lake City, Utah. His effort and enthusiasm were really paid off, which is obvious when you watch the film. The Kid is a true gem of all the movies with Chaplin's fantastic inspiration in story and directing, plus the great performance of Jackie Coogan.

This film is quite decent compared with the average comedy of today, but it is far below the level of Chaplin's greatest which were to come a few years later: The Circus, City Lights. The humerous sequences were not all that funny (although they may have been to the audiences during the 1920's). There are a few tedious sequences that do not seem to advance the story ( the fight between the two children, the wierd dream scene). And the grand finale scene is very bland. See the 1931 film: CITY LIGHTS and notice the great difference in quality of humor and storytelling.

The Kid remains my favorite Chaplin film. The first time I saw it I actually cried. It continues to amuse and move (I show it to college film students each semester and they love it). Consider this: Chaplin stared, directed, produced, wrote the script and even composed the musical score!

Another item that may increase your appreciation of this film: Chaplin and his wife had just had a baby die when he began developing the idea of having his alter-ego, the Tramp, raise a baby. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't have the strength to share my pain with ten million people by turning it into a movie.

This gem belongs in any video collection. Enjoy!

Wonderful comedy about a tramp forced to take care of an abandoned kid. Jackie coogan became the first child star in movie history with this movie.

I loved this movie! It's one of my best. Right up there with Life is Beautiful (made by Roberto Benigni, who was also a Chaplin admirer). The music was also as touching as the story. Overall: Great, Great, GREAT!