This Early Chaplin classic starts with a mother and her newborn baby boy exiting a foreboding hospital. The mother is ashamed and worried that she cannot take care of the child. She attempts to leave the baby with a rich family but instead the baby is left in the hands of two criminals who choose to leave the baby on the side of a rundown street. The child is then discovered by Charlie Chaplin, appearing in his usual lovable tramp persona, who has no choice but to keep and raise the child. Chaplin and the kid (now around age 7 or 8) face many challenges including town bullies, a watchful police officer and the threat of having the child taken away by the authorities. The mother continues to play a role in the film as a wealthy but generous member of the community who unknowingly has a few brief interactions with her child. The film's rundown setting seems realistic and provides a major part in setting the tone of the movie.This was my second viewing of the film and while it may not have been as effective for me the second time around it was still very entertaining and poignant. "The Kid" may not be Chaplin's
out and out funniest venture but this story of fatherly love is one of Chaplin's most touching films. The movie lacks in the jaw-dropping comedic stunts that we expect from silent-era comedy but this is made up for by the exceptional comedic and serious acting not only from Chaplin but also from Jackie Coogan, who plays the kid. The two work together playfully and with fluidity. Chaplin and Coogan were so good that at times it felt like the two were competing for my affection. After the viewing it remains difficult to say who the star was.Chaplin also dabbles in surrealism in "The Kid". This takes place during a lengthy dream sequence in which the familiar faces of the town are now angels and sin lurches around, influencing jealousy and lust. The scene is bizarre and a little unnecessary to the advancement of the plot but it is interesting nonetheless. The film has a pretty weak ending, and we know that Chaplin is capable of powerful endings (I.E., "City Lights" and "The Circus") but this only hurts the film slightly.
"The Kid" may be my favorite of the classic Chaplin feature lengths that I have seen. It is short but sweet and is still funny some 88 years later. The most important aspect for me is that the film has a great sense of purpose and meaning that goes beyond the gags.
My Rating: 8.5/10
