Rating of
3.5/4
The Gold Rush review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/31/12
The first of Chaplin's classic silents that he converted to a sound version with narration. "The Lone Prospector" (Charlie Chaplin) encounters a fugitive (Tom Murray as Black Larsen), a lady he falls for (Georgia Hale as Georgia) and a burley inspector (Mack Swain as Big Jim McKay). Though the plot is much wittier and more fulfilling than Chaplin's pictures, it lacks that certain charm, more interesting characters and laughable (meaning laugh out loud scenes) moments. Nevertheless, the score, settings/setpieces, eloquent narration, his spectacular performance and ability to make you smile is impeccable. Highlights include the enigmatic "roll dance," hallucination of him being a chicken, cabin tilted in which Big Jim and the Lone Prospector trying to escape and the shotgun conflict. Charlie Chaplin is one the most innovative brilliant artists eer to be witnessed onscreen and this film identifies his unique talents. This critic prefers the entertainment value of both City Lights and The Dictator. Still, The Gold Rush is one of the most emulated masterpieces that deserves credit and mention with the multi-talented Chaplin.
