The Gold Rush (1925)

By CinemaSerf

Despite the fact that it's minus 10° high up on the snowy mountain pass, the "Lone Prospector" (Charlie Chaplin) bedecked in his ill-fitting suit and bowler hat is determined to go make his fortune. Luckily, starving and cold, he stumbles upon the log cabin of "Larsen" (Tom Murray) and getting warm and fed becomes the order of the day - even if it's owner isn't so keen on sharing his long solid fish. Enter "Big Jim" (Mack Swain) and the three engage in the start of the antics that keep this classic piece of cinema rolling along entertainingly. After loads of to-ing and fro-ing, near death experiences and a near-miss with a big black bear, our wanderer finds himself in town at the glamorously titled "Monte Carlo" dance hall where he takes a shine to the dancer "Georgie" (Georgia Hale) but sadly he is still broke! Meantime, "Larsen" turns out to be a wanted felon with designs on their amnesiac big pal's claim - and it falls to our lovestruck tramp to sort things out and maybe even get the gal too! The chilly setting works well, supporting the set-piece comedy that uses a tight ensemble cast to keep a story of perseverance, loyalty and romance ticking along with loads of activity, dancing, tripping and sliding about. Chaplin was a master at this - his facial expressions are just great and even when provoked by the unkindly townsfolk who think him a bit of a wimp, he retains his dignified, hat-tipping, demeanour. Sparing inter-titles keep us informed but we don't rally need them - it is all very self explanatory and good fun.