The Gold Rush (1925)

100% of critics liked it
(33 reviews)
92% of users liked it
(18,238 ratings)

He may be called "The Lone Prospector" in The Gold Rush, but the character played by Charlie Chaplin is the same wistful, resourceful Little Tramp that had been entertaining the world and its brother since 1914. A most unlikely participant in the 1898 Yukon gold rush, Charlie finds himself sharing a… More He may be called "The Lone Prospector" in The Gold Rush, but the character played by Charlie Chaplin is the same wistful, resourceful Little Tramp that had been entertaining the world and its brother since 1914. A most unlikely participant in the 1898 Yukon gold rush, Charlie finds himself sharing a remote cabin with two much larger and more menacing-looking prospectors: Big Jim McKay (Mack Swain) and Black Larsen (Tom Murray). Big Jim isn't really a bad sort, but Larsen is a murderer and thief. When the food supply runs out, Larsen heads out in the snowy wastes to hunt, leaving Charlie to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for Big Jim, consisting of roasted shoe. The days pass: in a delirium, Big Jim imagines that Charlie is a huge chicken, and voraciously takes after him with an axe; Charlie saves himself by inadvertently shooting a bear, thereby providing enough food for ten men (Chaplin's inspiration for this episode was the cannibalistic activities of the Donner Party). When the winds subside, Charlie and Big Jim part company. Charlie heads off to seek his fortune in a nearby gold-rush community, while Big Jim lucks upon a "mountain of gold" -- just before he is ambushed and knocked unconscious by Black Larsen. Larsen himself is then killed by an avalanche, leaving Big Jim to wander aimlessly, his memory gone. Meanwhile, Charlie has fallen in love, from afar, with self-reliant saloon girl Georgia (Georgia Hale) who doesn't know that he exists. By a fluke, Charlie and Georgia meet, whereupon Charlie invites the girl to New Year's Eve dinner in the cabin that he is tending for a local prospector. While preparing for dinner, Charlie imagines that Georgia has arrived with her friends; he entertains the girls by jabbing two forks in two rolls, then performing a captivating little "dance" with the pastries. Awakening from his dream, Charlie disconsolately realizes that Georgia has forgotten all about his little party, and isn't going to show up. The next day, Big Jim arrives in town and is shaken out of his amnesia when he spots Charlie. Hoping that the little prospector will help him find his mountain of gold, Big Jim heads back to the mountains with Charlie in tow. The two men nearly come to grief when their cabin, blown by the wind to a mountain precipice, leans precariously over the edge--a peril intensified when Charlie, clinging to the floor, develops a sudden case of hiccups! Luck of luck, the cabin slides safely down the side of the mountain, landing directly upon Big Jim's gold strike. Now fabulously wealthy, Charlie and Big Jim head back to the States on a freighter. Also on board is Georgia, who is unaware that Charlie has struck it rich and thinks that he's a stowaway. She offers to hide him from the authorities, and it is at this point that Charlie and Georgia discover that they're truly in love with one another. The Gold Rush was the longest (it ran nine reels, cut down from its ten-reel preview length) and most elaborately produced of Chaplin's silent comedies (it took him fourteen months to complete). Even so, critics of the era chastised Chaplin for permitting the Little Tramp to win the girl at the end, arguing that the character's "integrity" was damaged by so happy an ending. Evidently, Chaplin took this criticism to heart: in his 1942 reissue of The Gold Rush, for which he wrote a narration and musical score, Chaplin removed the final embrace between the Lone Prospector and Georgia, fading out on a wealthy -- but still unattached -- Charlie strolling about the deck. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Charles Chaplin
Written By: Charles Chaplin
Genres: Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 26, 1925 Wide
On DVD: May 16, 2000
Studio: Janus Films

Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
The blend of slapstick and pathos is seamless, although the cynicism of the final scene is still surprising. Chaplin's later films are quirkier and more personal, but this is quintessential Charlie, and unmissable.
Variety Staff, Variety
The Gold Rush is a distinct triumph for Charlie Chaplin from both the artistic and commercial standpoints, and is a picture certain to create a veritable riot at theatre box offices.
Mordaunt Hall, New York Times
Here is a comedy with streaks of poetry, pathos, tenderness, linked with brusqueness and boisterousness.
Glenn Abel, Hollywood Reporter
The Gold Rush has been delighting audiences for almost 80 years -- it's one of the flat-out funniest films made in the silent era or any other.
Brian Gibson, Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Canada)
When it hit cinemas in the summer of 1925, the Berlin-premiere audience applauded Chaplin's 'dance of the dinner rolls' for so long that the film was rewound and replayed, while the BBC recorded 10 straight minutes of audience laughter at one screening.
Jaime N. Christley, Slant Magazine
What's surprising when one takes a fresh look at The Gold Rush is how much else there is, too, not just in terms of set pieces.
Phil Hall, Film Threat
Chaplin's Klondike masterpiece.
Eric Kohn, indieWIRE
Eighty-five years young, "The Gold Rush" is still an effective tear-jerker.
Richard Luck, Film4
Perhaps the defining Chaplin film, and certainly his funniest.
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
Chaplin said that it was the movie he most wanted to be remembered for, and damn if he didn't get his wish.
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
...anyone who asks why The Gold Rush deserves the attention and dedication showcased in Warner's The Chaplin Collection might as well ask why we continue to crack open new editions of, say, Mark Twain, or ... Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
City Lights might be Chaplin's most exquisite achievement, but he never made a funnier or more beloved film than his own personal favorite, Gold Rush.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Mercifully, it lacks the pretentious moralising of [Chaplin's] later work, and is far more professionally put together.
Rob Blackwelder, SPLICEDWire
Curiously melancholy yet packed with laughs, the picture's funniest moments aren't even the famous ones.
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
One of Chaplin's very funniest movies; not as indelibe as Modern Times, but close.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
The Gold Rush was one of [Chaplin's] purest comedy-fantasies, with some brilliant set-pieces including Charlie changing into a chicken and the 'dance of the dinner rolls.'
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly
From the famous shoe-eating dinner to the dance of the dinner rolls, Chaplin's effortless mining of comedy and pathos is pure gold.

Read all 17 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Spencer S

The first film Chaplin was given creative control over with his founding of United Artists, Gold Rush is a masterpiece of slapstick. Though City Lights is my personal favorite, Gold Rush is certainly manically hilarious, sweet as a baby kitten, and never boring. The setting was… More
The first film Chaplin was given creative control over with his founding of United Artists, Gold Rush is a masterpiece of slapstick. Though City Lights is my personal favorite, Gold Rush is certainly manically hilarious, sweet as a baby kitten, and never boring. The setting was original in that it was set in the obtrusive Alaskan wilderness. The Tramp is always so goofy, lovable, and dorky, you want him to win the girl and the money in the end. Even in the Tramp's chaotic world he wins out, and that's the draw to Chaplin's well thought out comedy.
Ken S

Classic Chaplin
Red L

I watched the first version - with no dialogue, only a piano score. I have only seen two or three of Chaplin's movies. It is an indication of the quality of his films that an 80 year old silent black and white movie competes favourably with today's movies with all the… More
I watched the first version - with no dialogue, only a piano score. I have only seen two or three of Chaplin's movies. It is an indication of the quality of his films that an 80 year old silent black and white movie competes favourably with today's movies with all the technology they have now.
Stella D

this is the 'revival' version with new music and chaplin's narration. i understand cuts were made and i'd like to see the original at some point, but it's still pretty clever and charming. said to be inspired by chaplin's reading about the donner party!
Jennifer X

Oh man. So fun. There will never be another man like Charlie Chaplin.
Dean M

This Charlie Chaplin silent movie makes me laugh and cry. This beautifully film combines Chaplin's ability to express pathos, tenderness, humour, and social awareness and many critics consider it his finest work.
Michael G

This movie is what physical comedy is all about.
Donnie D

There's a reason why classical humor is more appealing to me, unlike modern comedies that focus on sex jokes, the silent era humor is more about character humor. No doubt Charlie Chaplin's, The Gold Rush, is one of the best example of this. The story is actually more… More
There's a reason why classical humor is more appealing to me, unlike modern comedies that focus on sex jokes, the silent era humor is more about character humor. No doubt Charlie Chaplin's, The Gold Rush, is one of the best example of this. The story is actually more entertaining and heartfelt than most of the modern comedies in recent years. Charlie Chaplin plays the Tramp and goes to the Klondike in search of gold and finds himself some humorous situations. Chaplin alway plays his characters with such grace that imitating him is just impossible. The jokes are actually funny, the characters are worth caring about, and since it's a Chaplin film, prepare yourself for some of the most hilarious moments ever filmed. What else can I say about this movie, it helds up really well. Unlike most comedies where the humor dies off with passing years, this film has only gotten better. I have to say the best thing about this is the production value. Every characters is worth watching, every shot captures the scene perfectly, the pacing is just terrific in every way possible, and it's just a joy to watch. I honestly can't remember the last time a movie has made me laugh as much of this. The Gold Rush proves that comedy can timeless if done correctly. Even though the current state of the comedy genre is not so good, it's great that a talented artist like Chaplin made this movie for generations to smile, laugh, and bring them an unforgettable experience.
Dillon L

A silent era masterpiece, easily Chaplin's best film (that I've seen). It kind of reminded me of Buster Keaton's The General, in terms of quality.
Matthew Y

An absolute classic! A very good introductory film for anyone with the slightest interest in silent films due to the narration by Chaplin. It doesn't have the emotion of City Lights or the zanniness of Modern Times but it tells a very enjoyable story with arguably some of the… More
An absolute classic! A very good introductory film for anyone with the slightest interest in silent films due to the narration by Chaplin. It doesn't have the emotion of City Lights or the zanniness of Modern Times but it tells a very enjoyable story with arguably some of the best supporting characters in a tramp film.
Bryce I

From it's infamous table ballet, to it's timeless shoe-eating dinner, it is the definitive Charlie Chaplin film, and one of his best, if not his best film to date. It's not as indelible as many of his other films, but this is a hilarious one, and is definitley the most… More
From it's infamous table ballet, to it's timeless shoe-eating dinner, it is the definitive Charlie Chaplin film, and one of his best, if not his best film to date. It's not as indelible as many of his other films, but this is a hilarious one, and is definitley the most recognizable out of all his masterpieces.
Chris B

The Gold Rush along with City Lights (my personal favorite Chaplin film) are probably his most famous masterpieces. Chaplin combines his LittleTramp character, here titled The Lone Prospector, with a touching and equally funny premise. Some of the most famous and hilarious scenes are… More
The Gold Rush along with City Lights (my personal favorite Chaplin film) are probably his most famous masterpieces. Chaplin combines his LittleTramp character, here titled The Lone Prospector, with a touching and equally funny premise. Some of the most famous and hilarious scenes are found in this film and they include the roll dancing scene, Chaplin turning into a chicken and many others, all which literally make you die with laughter. No matter who you are or your place in life, Chaplin lifts your spirit and gives just as many laughs as touching and heartfelt pieces all making up masterpiece films! The Gold Rush was Chaplin's first film in which he had full creative control and it is known to be his personal favorite. It is currently rated as #58 ok the American Film Institutes Top 100 Films of all Time. I cannot say enough of its magnificence!
Stephen E

Charlie Chaplin usually manages to amuse me, but "The Gold Rush" isn't an exceptionally funny motion picture. It has a clever gag or two, but for the most part, the jokes either hit or miss. Now, the film as a whole still holds up well, despite its aimless nature, and… More
Charlie Chaplin usually manages to amuse me, but "The Gold Rush" isn't an exceptionally funny motion picture. It has a clever gag or two, but for the most part, the jokes either hit or miss. Now, the film as a whole still holds up well, despite its aimless nature, and it continues to entertain, so I won't let my own opinions get in the way of giving it a positive review.
Jared H

I love this stuff. Is it as great as Buster Keaton's "The General"?... Not quite, in my opinion. But who cares? It might not even be fair that I saw "The General" fairly early in my silent comedy-watching endeavors, and am now comparing everything else to it.… More
I love this stuff. Is it as great as Buster Keaton's "The General"?... Not quite, in my opinion. But who cares? It might not even be fair that I saw "The General" fairly early in my silent comedy-watching endeavors, and am now comparing everything else to it. Chaplin makes "The Gold Rush" work in his own way, with his own charm. I just love this stuff. It's just pure joy. Today's entertainment world desperately needs more Charlie Chaplins and Buster Keatons.
Jessica v

One of my favorite Chaplin films to date, (so far) second only to The Kid. I mean, who can resist the dance of the rolls? Or the chicken suit? Or the heartbreak of a New Years alone? Georgia Hale is tremendous, a match even to our Charlie, as the foxy leading lady. The visuals… More
One of my favorite Chaplin films to date, (so far) second only to The Kid. I mean, who can resist the dance of the rolls? Or the chicken suit? Or the heartbreak of a New Years alone? Georgia Hale is tremendous, a match even to our Charlie, as the foxy leading lady. The visuals are also very impressive for the time - I dare you to try and find any wires. This is definitely not to be missed.
Lauren D

I have seen 3 Chaplin movies now (including this one) and I have hated every single one of them. I have no idea why people find him amusing. All he does is walk stupid and fall over. Half of it doesn't even seem to have anything to do with the 'plot' so it's really… More
I have seen 3 Chaplin movies now (including this one) and I have hated every single one of them. I have no idea why people find him amusing. All he does is walk stupid and fall over. Half of it doesn't even seem to have anything to do with the 'plot' so it's really just Chaplin falling over a lot.
Ivan D

A great silent comedy on an epic scale, with great special effects, considering the time it was made, especially the house on the cliff. Mr. Chaplin is great, successfully making us feel different emotions about the lone prospector, whether it is joy or pity(Georgia & friends… More
A great silent comedy on an epic scale, with great special effects, considering the time it was made, especially the house on the cliff. Mr. Chaplin is great, successfully making us feel different emotions about the lone prospector, whether it is joy or pity(Georgia & friends making fun of him). A timeless classic that is worth multiple viewings or more.
MJS M

Of all the Chaplin movies, this is the one I?ve been most excited to revisit. This may not be the best of his movies but it is the one with the most iconic moments, as a comedy it?s his definitive work. Among the highlights are a sequence where a hungry man imagines Chaplin as a… More
Of all the Chaplin movies, this is the one I?ve been most excited to revisit. This may not be the best of his movies but it is the one with the most iconic moments, as a comedy it?s his definitive work. Among the highlights are a sequence where a hungry man imagines Chaplin as a Chicken and tries to eat him, a scene where Chaplin cooks and tries to eat a shoe, a scene where Chaplin makes a pair of dinner roles attached to forks dance, and a scene where a house teeters on the edge of a cliff. The humor here actually has something of a dark streak; Chaplin (who believed that the line between comedy and tragedy is very thin) used the story of the Donnor party partly as inspiration for this silent comedy.
Marion R

This movie was okay, besides having a couple of funny moments. Not my favorite Chaplin film.

Read all 19 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Charles Chaplin as The Lone Prospector

            Georgia Hale as Georgia

            Mack Swain as Big Jim McKay

            Tom Murray as Black Larson

            Henry Bergman as Hank Curtis

            Malcolm Waite as Jack Cameron

            Betty Morrissey as Georgia's friend

            Sam Allen
            
            Harry Arras
            
            Allan Garcia as Prospector

            Jack Herrick
            
            Harry Jones
            
            John "Dusty" King
            
            Chris-Pin Martin as uncredited

            John Rand as Prospector

            Frank Rice
            
            Joe Smith
            
            Albert Austin as Prospector

            William Bell
            
            William Bradford
            
            George Brock as [uncredited]

            Ben R. Hart
            
            John P. McGrath
            
            Betty Pierce
            
            Joan Lowell as Georgia's Friend

            Kay Desleys as Georgia's Friend

            John Tully
            
            George Holt
            
            Cecile Cameron
            
            Leland Carr
            
            J.C. Fowler
            
            Inez Gomez
            
            Geraldine Leslie
            
            John Millerta
            
            Barbara Pierce as Manicurist

            Jane Sherman
            
            Margaret Martin as Squaw

            William Butler
            
            Tom Wood as Prospector

            Jack Adams
            
            John Wallace
            
See full cast