1917
2.5/4 Stars
The Immigrant is another short Chaplin film that puts him in the role of a European coming to America in the early twentieth century. This piece contains an array of slap-stick routines. The "dining hall" in the boat seems to be rigged up to some sort of rocking mechanism that allows for Chaplin to perform some of his stunts. He falls, rolls, and jumps with the "waves" of the ship.
Chaplin shines brightest in "The Immigrant" in the second act of the film that involves him seated at a restaurant, trying to plot how to get a free meal from the menacing waiter. His sleight of hand and good comedic timing work well here as he manages not only to confuse the waiter, but also to seduce the girl.
All in all, this is a good piece that pre-dates Chaplin's greatest moments. Reviews of these later pieces are forthcoming.
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