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Modern Times

Play trailer Poster for Modern Times G Released Feb 5, 1936 1h 29m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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98% Tomatometer 113 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
This comedic masterpiece finds the iconic Little Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) employed at a state-of-the-art factory where the inescapable machinery completely overwhelms him, and where various mishaps keep getting him sent to prison. In between his various jail stints, he meets and befriends an orphan girl (Paulette Goddard). Both together and apart, they try to contend with the difficulties of modern life, with the Tramp working as a waiter and eventually a performer.
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Modern Times

Modern Times

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Critics Consensus

A slapstick skewering of industrialized America, Modern Times is as politically incisive as it is laugh-out-loud hilarious.

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Critics Reviews

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Ella H. McCormick Detroit Free Press Several high spots stand out as notable examples of Chaplin's expert timing of slapstick burlesque, scenes that are apt to make the spectator shed tears from the strain of laughter. May 6, 2021 Full Review Mildred Martin Philadelphia Inquirer There are reminders of every Chaplin picture that was ever made all through Modern Times and there are enough brand new comic inventions to explain why Charlie takes such a long time between pictures and why they are so superlatively worth waiting for. May 6, 2021 Full Review Mae Tinee Chicago Tribune What most amazes you about Modern Times, is the fact that, in this day of superfine sound films, it says everything without saying anything. May 6, 2021 Full Review Jeremy Carr Vague Visages Emblematic of a ‘Hollywood realism,’ with a rather immaculate industrial setting, strategically tattered clothing and deliberately designed destitution. Nov 15, 2023 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand The surreal scene of Chaplin being wound through the gears of the factory machinery remains one of the most iconic images in film history: the little guy who manages not to get ground up in the machine. Jun 11, 2023 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Modern Times was Chaplin's last brilliant foray into that singular craft that made him a great artist: a pantomime. Rated: 4/4 Mar 21, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ali Stevenson I love Modern Times so much I came back for the second showing! See my earlier post. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/20/21 Full Review Stephen C Funny in 1 hour and 29 minutes!!!!!!! Starring the late Charlie Chaplin as the Little Tramp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/06/25 Full Review Nils B Chaplin's genius may be unmatched to this day and this film is certainly a candidate for his greatest work ever. As usual he mixes drama with comedy and romance and social commentary to create a brilliant work of art that holds up well even when compared with the very best films made today. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/05/25 Full Review Gorptholemew T 🍅 8.4/10 Genuinely jumped when they first started talking. but for the story, it makes even more sense, and it’s actually really smart so is with the rest of the film. I honestly really enjoyed it. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/19/25 Full Review anthony t Modern Times is an interesting film that is highly enjoyable, and funny. You start off by having Charlie Chaplin (Little Tramp) throughout the factory doing his ‘work,’ then following him throughout the film to find a suitable job. This film is one of a lifetime pieces. To think a silent film like this can create such laughter by only seeing the main character doing nothing but being clumsy and missing somewhat common sense. To belief Charlie Chaplin not only wrote, produced, directed and starred in this film is fully inspirational. One has to see this film to fully understand the full love this film rejoices. Not only because of the plot, but because of the amazing acting, and stunts produced within the film. It's just remarkable to see how such a small man can have so much talent to make a whole audience laugh and enjoy an experience like this. This being my first Charlie Chaplin film to ever see, I fully understand why it is loved so much, because I fell in love with it the first time I saw it as well. Overall, I fully encourage plenty of people to see this film with a group of other people who may have also not seen it. You'll laugh, and fall in love with the characters. You'll not only immerse yourself in the time period that this film takes place in, but you'll be immersed into the world of Charlie Chaplin. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/21/24 Full Review Brennan W Modern Times was a great film when looking back at where it all started. This film, while almost a hundred years old, feels in a lot of ways like its brand new. The main character of the tramp is one that is still known to this day. His role in the film helps take the audience on a wild adventure that not only gives laughs and wacky moments, but touches on real world issues that speak to people even today. Chaplin's ability to act out crazy scenes and entertain an audience for as long as he does says a lot. The film looks great and the set of the factory is so impressive for its time. Overall I enjoyed this film. Most silent films from the 30's can leave a bad taste in my mouth but this one really entertained me. I especially enjoyed the subject matter that the film offers and it opens the room up for conversation that most other silent films wouldn't do. I would higly recommend watching this film. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 12/20/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Modern Times

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Movie Info

Synopsis This comedic masterpiece finds the iconic Little Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) employed at a state-of-the-art factory where the inescapable machinery completely overwhelms him, and where various mishaps keep getting him sent to prison. In between his various jail stints, he meets and befriends an orphan girl (Paulette Goddard). Both together and apart, they try to contend with the difficulties of modern life, with the Tramp working as a waiter and eventually a performer.
Director
Charlie Chaplin
Producer
Charlie Chaplin
Screenwriter
Charlie Chaplin
Distributor
United Artists
Production Co
Charles Chaplin Productions
Rating
G
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 5, 1936, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 22, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$163.2K
Runtime
1h 29m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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