The Kid

1921
U
1h 8m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Charles Chaplin and Jackie Coogan in The Kid (1921)

Buddy Comedy Slapstick Comedy Drama Family

The Tramp cares for an abandoned child, but events put their relationship in jeopardy.The Tramp cares for an abandoned child, but events put their relationship in jeopardy.The Tramp cares for an abandoned child, but events put their relationship in jeopardy.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.2/10

139K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Top rated movie #136

Awards
- 2 wins total

Photos100

+ 92

Top cast68

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Charles Chaplin

A Tramp
(as Charlie Chaplin)

Edna Purviance

The Woman

Jackie Coogan

The Child
(as Jack Coogan)

Carl Miller

The Man

Albert Austin

Car Thief
(uncredited)
…

Beulah Bains

Bride
(uncredited)

Nellie Bly Baker

Slum Nurse
(uncredited)

Henry Bergman

Professor Guido
(uncredited)
…

Edward Biby

Orphan Asylum Driver
(uncredited)

B.F. Blinn

His Assistant
(uncredited)

Kitty Bradbury

Bride's Mother
(uncredited)

Frank Campeau

Welfare Officer
(uncredited)

Bliss Chevalier

Extra in Wedding Scene
(uncredited)

Frances Cochran

Extra in Reception Scene
(uncredited)

Elsie Codd

Extra in Alley Scene
(uncredited)

Jack Coogan Sr.

Pickpocket
(uncredited)
…

Estelle Cook

Extra in Wedding Scene
(uncredited)

Lillian Crane

Extra in Wedding Scene
(uncredited)

Director
- Charles Chaplin
Writer
- Charles Chaplin
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
The off-screen chemistry between Charles Chaplin and Jackie Coogan was just as strong as their onscreen relationship. Every Sunday, during the first few weeks of filming, Chaplin would take Jackie to amusement parks and pony rides and other activities. Some have seen Chaplin's relationship with Coogan as an attempt for Chaplin to reclaim his own unhappy childhood, while others have interpreted Chaplin's attention toward the boy as recasting Coogan into the child he had just lost.

Goofs
On the rooftop, after the Tramp chases the two welfare workers who have captured and tormented John, the scene ends with the Tramp and one of the workers fighting on the back of the workers' pickup truck. After kicking the second welfare man off the back of the pickup, the Tramp makes a 'nonsensical' wave good-bye as he and John ride off to momentary safety. In reality Charles Chaplin (also the director) is waving 'CUT' to cameraman Roland Totheroh.

Quotes
Title Card: A picture with a smile - and perhaps, a tear.

Alternate versions
A new version was reissued in 1972 with a new music score composed by Charles Chaplin, who also re-edited the film in order to omit a few scenes featuring the kid's mother.

Connections
Edited into Histoire(s) du cinéma: Une histoire seule (1989)

User reviews306

Review

Featured review

9/10

One Of The Most Memorable Silent Films Ever

Wow, is this a memorable film! It is one of the most famous silent movies ever and justifiably so. That fact that it still entertains over 80 years after it was made is quite a testimony.

It is a wonderful blend of humor and drama. Charlie Chaplin's unique humor, combined with an involving storyline and strong sentimentality make this one to remember. Chaplin's humor ranges from pure slapstick to some clever stunts.

The "kid" - Jackie Coogan - is just as memorable, maybe even more so. He is unbelievably cute, especially in those old-time clothes he wore. Watching the expressions on his face, even as a baby, are fascinating and facial expressions certainly were a trademark of the silent era.

So, between Chaplin and Coogan, and a very involving story that can break your heart one minute and have you laughing out loud the next, it's an amazing piece of work. This is a very fast-paced story which lasts less than an hour.

The special edition two-disc DVD has a restored version of the print so the picture is very clear, actually astounding for its age. Excellent entertainment.