The Gold Rush (1925)

Director: Charles Chaplin

Starring: Charles Chaplin, Mack Swain, Tom Murray

A prospector goes to the Klondike during the 1890s gold rush in hopes of making his fortune, and is smitten with a girl he sees in a dance hall.

The film might be called ‘The Gold Rush’, but there’s hardly any gold here and certainly no rush. The film starts with Big Jim (Mack Swain) finding gold on a mountain, but with a blizzard approaching, he hides the gold.

Charlie Chaplin stars as a character simply known as The Lone Prospector, who is also in search of gold. When the blizzards strikes, he seeks refuge in a cabin, which belongs to wanted criminal Black Larsen (Tom Murray). The three men agree they have no option than to stay together in the cabin until the storm subsides, but when they run out of food, one of them has to go find food. This task is bestowed upon Black Larsen.

The film is mainly set in the cabin and Charlie Chaplin delivers his trademark humour to perfection. This guy simply is a comedy genius. I must say, the visuals are remarkable for a film made almost a century ago – especially the scene with the cabin hanging over the edge of a cliff with Big Jim and The Lone Prospector trying to get out. This scene was fantastic!

Georgia Hale stars as the film’s romance interest, Georgia. The Lone Prospector will do anything to become better acquainted with her! Off course, funny moments ensue. There are quite a few continuity errors, but hey, we’ll forgive them for that seeing the film was made in 1925! This is a thoroughly enjoyable comedy with action, adventure, and several awkward moments! We’ll also forgive them for the fact the film is more than just a bit cheesy… Sit back and enjoy!

(Silent film)

Would I watch it again? Maybe.