The Kid

1921's THE KID was writer/director/star Charlie Chaplin's first feature length film, and retains an essential place in film history.  The film's posters proclaimed "6 reels of joy" and there's truth in advertising.  It always amazes me how Chaplin could walk (er, waddle) the narrow divide between comedy and tragedy.  Maybe never better than here.

The Tramp happens upon an abandoned baby, left by an abandoned mother.  She reconsiders after leaving him in a parked car but by then her son has taken up residence in the Tramp's extremely modest flat.  Cut to five years later.  The Tramp and "John" are still in the same flat, dirt poor and fetching coins from neighborhood scams, but it's clear this is now a home, filled with love.  The mother has gone on to be a famous actress who likes to travel the slums and give charity to poor children.  Paths will cross, of course. 

Surely you've heard about Jackie Coogan's amazing performance as The Kid.  He gets to emote and play subtle and carries off both with astonishing skill.  He exhibits the same nimble grace as his director.  His is a template for juvenile performances. 

Chaplin's imagination (and personality as informed by life experience) saturates every one of THE KID's fifty two minutes.  There is perfectly choreographed slapstick (note the fight scene) and heart tugging warmth in equal measure.  The late dream sequence is a work of art in itself.  Maybe even the pancake scene.  The depiction of poverty is vivid, as are the portrayals of welfare workers.  It may sound trite but if you only allow yourself one film from the silent era, it may have to be this one.  Chaplin, who also edited the picture, contributes just the right musical score.  It perfectly accompanies the visual storytelling.  Who needs dialogue, anyway?