Welcome back to the Classics Cafe.
This month's Movie In The Public Domain is the 1925's classic silent feature "Gold Rush".
This dramatic comedy stars Charlie Chaplin as the "Little Tramp" who heads to Alaska, in hopes of acquiring fortune during the 1890s gold rush. While there, he is trapped in a small cabin by blizzard, gets mixed up with some rough characters, and falls head over heels in love with a lovely barmaid, whom he tries to win over with his special charms.
Gold Rush was a huge success in the United States and worldwide, grossing over 4.2 million at the box office. It would become the fifth highest grossing silent film in cinema history.
Written, produced, and directed by Mister Chaplin, this picture was critically acclaimed upon its release on June 26, 1925.
Mordaunt Hall of the New York Times wrote:
"Here is a comedy with streaks of poetry, pathos, tenderness, linked with
brusqueness and boisterousness. It is the outstanding gem of all
Chaplin's pictures, as it has more thought and originality than even
such masterpieces of mirth as The Kid and Shoulder Arms."
The Variety stated that it was "the greatest and most elaborate comedy ever filmed, and will stand for years as the biggest hit in its field, just as The Birth of a Nation still withstands the many competitors in the dramatic class."
Still today, one of Chaplin's most celebrated works, it is said that Chaplin himself has stated that this is the film he most wanted to be remembered for.
And with that, prepare for adventure mixed with some belly laughs while you sip down your favorite beverage . "Gold Rush" can be viewed on YouTube for free.
Enjoy!
