Fully restored Chaplin classic winds its way into Pittsburgh

Modern Times

Starring Charlie Chaplin

Directed by Charlie Chaplin

…

Modern Times

Starring Charlie Chaplin

Directed by Charlie Chaplin

Back in the ’30s, when the citizens of industrialized nations were feeling alienated by the monstrous increases in the mechanization in industry and, most dramatically, warfare, two films attacked the subject on each side of the Atlantic.

In France, Rene Clair created “A nous la liberte,” a film about how assembly line capitalism can make or break you, but is ultimately an awful beast. But a few years later in America, Charlie Chaplin thrust his Tramp character into the world of streamlined production and specialization in “Modern Times” and created one of the classics of world cinema.

Now, this landmark comedy about society in the depressed ’30s has been completely restored and is marching its way, red flag held high in the air, into Pittsburgh Filmmakers’ Regent Square Theater.

Even if someone has never heard of the film or of Chaplin, chances are that they have seen the indelible image of the film – the Tramp winding his wrench around nuts and bolts while being chewed through the massive gears of a machine. As classic – and obviously critical of ’30s assembly line production – as the image is, the film is much more than this.

While the Tramp works on the assembly line for a good portion of the film, there is also a commentary on the workers’ movements that happened during this period.

When the Tramp loses his job, he walks through the street and notices a flag – a red warning flag – fall off the back of the truck. With his heart in the right place, he rushes to the item, picks it up and waves it high to get the truck driver’s attention. At that exact moment, a legion of angry workers turns the corner, on a collision course with the Tramp and his flag. Oblivious to the crowd behind him, the Tramp walks towards the truck, still waving the flag, and it now looks like he’s leading the march. The authority figures take none too kindly to this and break up the march, busting him for leading it.

This is a funny moment in the film – we always seem to like reveling in the Tramp’s misfortune – but it also shows how ramshackle Chaplin sees such marches as and how brutal he finds authority figures, like police.

Contrasted with this political commentary is the romance between the Tramp and a lady worker. It’s touching and sweet, as most Chaplin romances are – see “City Lights” for more evidence of this. The scene where the Tramp, as a department store guard, lets his love interest in after hours so they can have the luxurious free-for-all they so desperately long for, is hilarious and romantic.

Also notable in this film is that it’s generally silent, despite being made well after the advent of sound. There are a few moments of dialogue – the Tramp actually sings at one point, allowing audiences to hear him for the first time – and synched-up sound, but it’s mostly silent. Yet, the power of the film isn’t lost. Rather than focusing on dialogue, we’re able to watch the film and absorb Chaplin’s ideas and genius. If the film were in total sound, some of the charm and power of the film would be lost.

Few films can balance comedy, drama, social satire and social criticism well. Chaplin does it to perfection in “Modern Times” – in a 90-minute silent film, no less. It’s always a treat to see such classic, but it’s a rare pleasure to see one on a big screen with restored picture and sound elements. Don’t miss it during its limited Pittsburgh engagement.

“Modern Times” will be playing at Pittsburgh Filmmakers’ Regent Square Theater from Jan. 23 through Jan. 29. For more information, call (412) 681-5449.