A few things to know about Charlie Chaplin. He starred in over 80 films, reeling off most during the silent film era. In 1914 alone, he acted in 40 films, then another 15 in 1915. By the 1920s, Chaplin had emerged as the first larger-than-life movie star and director, if not the most recognizable person in the world.
The film icon died on Christmas Day in 1977, and we’re commemorating this just-passed anniversary by highlighting 15 Chaplin films available on the web. Above, you will find a Chaplin mini-film festival that brings together four movies shot in 1917: The Adventurer, The Cure, Easy Street and The Immigrant. And then housed in our Free Movies Collection, you will find another 11 Chaplin movies, all neatly listed here for you.
- Making a Living - Free – Premiering on February 2, 1914, Making a Living marks the first film appearance by Charlie Chaplin.
- The Gold Rush – Free – Charlie Chaplin wrote, produced, directed and starred in The Gold Rush. Chaplin repeatedly said that this is the film he most wanted to be remembered for. (1925)
- The Kid – Free – This was Charlie Chaplin’s first full-length film as a director, and it is still considered one of his best. (1921)
- City Lights - Free – The funny and moving tale of a tramp who falls in love with a blind girl, City Lights is one of Charlie Chaplin’s greatest works. A silent film released two years after the arrival of “talkies,” it was nevertheless a huge popular and critical success. Orson Welles, Stanley Kubrick and Andrei Tarkovsky all placed City Lights on their list of the ten greatest films ever made. (1931)
- A Dog’s Life - Free – This endearing short film tells the story of underdogs, hunan and canine, succeeding despite the odds. (1918)
- A Woman – Free – This was the third and last time Chaplin played the role of a woman on film. Edna Purviance also stars in the 20 minute silent film. (1915)
- Behind the Screen – Free – A short film written and directed by Chaplin, the film is long on slapstick, but it also gets into themes dealing with gender bending and homosexuality. (1916)
- Kid Auto Races at Venice – Free – It’s the first film in which Charlie Chaplin’s iconic “Little Tramp” character makes his appearance. (1914)
- The Pawnshop – Free – Rich in slapstick, The Pawnshop was one of Chaplin’s more popular movies for Mutual Film, the producer of many fine Chaplin comedies. (1916)
- The Rink – Free – The Rink, Chaplin’s 8th film for Mutual Films, showcases the actor’s roller skating abilities. (1916)
- Tillie’s Punctured Romance – Free – Among other things, the film is notable for being the last film that Chaplin didn’t write or direct by himself. (1914)
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Thank you for sharing these – Charlie is irreplaceable! ♡