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Modern Times

Play trailer Poster for Modern Times G 1936 1h 29m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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98% Tomatometer 114 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

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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 05/06/2021
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. Go to Full Review Mildred Martin Philadelphia Inquirer 05/06/2021
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. Go to Full Review Mae Tinée Chicago Tribune 05/06/2021
What most amazes you about Modern Times, is the fact that, in this day of superfine sound films, it says everything without saying anything. Go to Full Review Lexi Amoriello Movie Recs by Lex 4d
These ideas about the dehumanization that stems from industrialization are part of what makes Modern Times such a timeless film. Go to Full Review Julian Singleton Cinapse 07/12/2025
With Modern Times’ wondrous balancing act of comedy, tragedy, sound, and silence, Chaplin proves himself to be as skillful of an artist behind the camera as he is in front of it. Go to Full Review Jeremy Carr Vague Visages 11/15/2023
Emblematic of a ‘Hollywood realism,’ with a rather immaculate industrial setting, strategically tattered clothing and deliberately designed destitution. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ali Stevenson 06/20/2021 I love Modern Times so much I came back for the second showing! See my earlier post. See more diogo13 T @Tua_mera 5d Uma representação incrível do capitalismo e seus impactos na sociedade, bem como das ovelhas negras que simplesmente não conseguem se adaptar. See more Jayden C @RT79235533 May 20 This movie was surprisingly exciting, I'm happy to have seen the foundation of such creativity for Charlie chaplains compatibility for story telling and comedy. See more Adonis J @RT06083614 May 16 This movie was really funny See more Belle M. @belovedbels Apr 28 Always been a fan of slapstick comedy! This film is a classic. Chaplin uses comedy in Modern Times to critique the economic crisis and social issues such as unfair wages, unemployment and industrialization at the time. See more J T @RT62313886 Apr 19 Literally all movie genres in one movie. For all audiences, you can watch with grandparents, kids, friends, spouse etc. You'll go through all emotions especially love, sadness and mostly laughter because of how good chaplain can elicit emotions while not even talking. Great movie as a transition out of the 'silent movie era'. If you had 1 Charlie chaplain movie to watch (and even rewatch multiple times), this is it. See more Read all reviews
Modern Times

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Cast & Crew

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Charlie Chaplin

Director

Charlie Chaplin

A Factory Worker

Paulette Goddard

A Gamin

Henry Bergman

Care Proprietor

Tiny Sandford

Big Bill

Chester Conklin

Mechanic

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Modern Times

Modern Times (1936) A scene from the film MODERN TIMES. A scene from the film MODERN TIMES. A scene from the film MODERN TIMES. A scene from the film MODERN TIMES. Modern Times (1936) View more photos

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)