We're slowly approaching the point where Charlie Chaplin movies celebrate their 100th birthday. And a huge part of his work is still superior to many films made today. "The Vagabond" features some regular faces from other Chaplin films. Edna Purvance, who looks like a silent film version of Greta Gerwig with her long curly blonde hair, is on board again and so is the hilariously scary Eric Campbell, once again using his physical presence in another nice effort as Charlie's main antagonist. This film can be split into two halves, the first is pretty much drama, the second contains mostly romance and of course both feature a great deal of Charlie's trademark slapstick comedy.
Chaplin, in his usual outfit, does some street music with his violin and afterward meets a girl who is held under slave-like conditions including lots of screaming and even lashing from her boss. After some fighting, a hilarious sequence that has Chaplin up a tree, Charlie and the object of his affection manage to get away. Back in safety, the two meet a well-dressed who quickly turns into a love interest for the girl. It's a decent little short film, which drags occasionally, but also has its moment. It's probably one of my favorite endings from Chaplin's body of work. The farewell hug is the greatest thing ever, just so beautiful and sad at the same time and the final twist was really cute too. Recommended.
Chaplin, in his usual outfit, does some street music with his violin and afterward meets a girl who is held under slave-like conditions including lots of screaming and even lashing from her boss. After some fighting, a hilarious sequence that has Chaplin up a tree, Charlie and the object of his affection manage to get away. Back in safety, the two meet a well-dressed who quickly turns into a love interest for the girl. It's a decent little short film, which drags occasionally, but also has its moment. It's probably one of my favorite endings from Chaplin's body of work. The farewell hug is the greatest thing ever, just so beautiful and sad at the same time and the final twist was really cute too. Recommended.