Watch The Pilgrim For Free

Thanks for the memories!

Powerful

Instant Favorite.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

I don't mean this as in the film is some kind of abstract comedy, it's very grounded as all Chaplin's films were: it's just whether genuine comedies or some of his more dramatic works they always have a strong moral that is totally obvious by the end. This one has more fun, it's Chaplin in all his spontaneity and lightness. The ending in particular is more symbolic than an obvious spelled out moral, it contributes to the fun of the whole piece rather than taking itself more seriously.Just a quick digression: it's surprisingly interesting the church and its practices would be criticized and mocked so openly way back in a mainstream film from 1923. But apparently that sort of thing was going on even back then.Funny as always, full of spirit, lots of mimicking and situational comedy going on. 7/10.

Two words: "WATCH IT!" Throughout this last of Charlie's short(er) films, he puts on a clinic of amazing pantomime that could never be as funny if it were a talking picture! He makes you believe it's all for real - whether on screen it appears to be "real" or is obviously pantomime as part of the story in and of itself. Think about this while watching it - really think how Chaplin makes it look easy, whereas if one of us average Joes tried it, we'd probably come off looking histrionic and ridiculous! ;-) lol There are also some great sight gags, one of which involves Charlie on the back of a man, trying to close a drawer with his feet, while the man tries opening the same drawer with his hands; and back and forth they furiously go! I just mention this one in particular as I'd not yet seen any other reviewers do so, but it's just one great scene amidst many others!Anyway, even without the Little Tramp in his familiar costume, you can still see him shining through as I think this film presents many of the same type of story elements and character qualities that led to the Little Fellow becoming an immortal icon. :-)(9 out of 10 stars for not enough romantic interaction between Charlie & Edna, but that's strictly just my personal preference. Except for "Burlesque on Carmen", I would probably say that about nearly every picture they made together. ;-) lol)

I consider The Pilgrim one of Chaplin's weaker efforts, in no small part because of the odd running time; somewhere between a short and a feature, it suffers from too much padding considering its slight story, and it's too short to fully develop the inter-relationships of the characters and plumb the depths of social satire that Chaplin's later features did so adeptly. I also found the character strangely at odds with Chaplin's persona-- someone who is forced to stifle his anti-social tendencies in service to his disguise as a clergyman. I could picture more of a misanthrope in the role, perhaps someone like W.C. Fields, especially in the scenes with the bothersome little kid. It somehow didn't work as well with Chaplin, whose own child-like ego would seem more akin, rather than counterpoint, to the little brat. And with the characters apparent sense of innate honesty, one wonders what he was incarcerated for in the first place. Some amusing set pieces but overall it seemed more of an experiment which Chaplin felt license to indulge in at the end of his First National contract.

This short comedy has some funny moments and a few observations about human nature thrown in. It is one of Chaplin's more popular shorts, due to the good slapstick sequences, even though it might not have as much substance as some of his other features.At the beginning, Charlie gets mistaken for a town's new preacher, and starting with that, he finds himself in some increasingly complicated situations. There are some good gags and some funny moments that arise as "The Pilgrim" tries to figure out what is expected of him, and tries to fit in.Edna Purviance is engaging as usual, and Syd Chaplin gets a chance to show his versatility, so both of them add something. A few of the scenes are drawn out a little too long, but in general it's a pretty good feature that most Chaplin fans will enjoy.