The Gold Rush Review

Number 129 on the top 1000 films of all time is Charlie Chaplin's the Gold Rush.

Set during the great Gold Rush of the late 19th century, Charlie Chaplin plays a lone prospector who travels to Alaska in the hopes of making his fortune.  Once there, he encounters bears, criminals and love.

As is appropriate for a Chaplin film, the Gold Rush is definitely funny in parts, for example, with the Lone Prospector being unknowingly followed by a bear or the famous Bread Roll dance.  I was also impressed with the ingenuity that Chaplin showed.  As well as starring within the Gold Rush, he also wrote, produced and directed it.  He only uses a handful of sets, for example, the first part of the film is set in a cabin, but it remains interesting.  Rather than being limited by this, Chaplin uses it to its fullest potential.

But beyond the comedy, the heart of the film lies in the love story between the Lone Prospector and the showgirl, Georgia.  Chaplin always includes these love plots and they're generally what I like most about his films.  The love plots are always endearing and touching to watch.  This love plot was no exception.  It was the classic story of boy meets girl, but girl is interested in other boy, and then first boy has to fight to win her heart.  This is what the Lone Prospector experiences and it was heart-warming to watch.

Chaplin said that the Gold Rush was the film he most wants to be remembered for.  While it was a good watch, I think this honour should go to the Great Dictator.