102. Modern Times (1936)

Long after the silent film era ended, Charlie Chaplin returned to make his final silent picture, Modern Times.  Not only is it #8 on IMDb’s funniest comedies of all time, but it’s a commentary about homelessness, alienation in the machine age, over-policing, poverty, and other social issues still debated today.  The film is 87 years old but has retained a viewership over nearly a century.  Is it possible that such an old film might still feel relevant to today’s young generation?
Our panel of film lovers young and old discusses how this classic has aged, what ways it still feels illuminating and even timely, what falls flat for younger viewers, and what the icon of Chaplin’s tramp means in the 21st Century.
Hosts: Mark Netter & David Tausik
Panelists: Grace Chapman, Jake Flowers & Guy Lewis

AFI Greatest American Movies (original list): #36
IMDb listing with newer Trailer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027977/
Original 1936 Trailer: https://www.criterionchannel.com/videos/modern-times-trailer
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Times_(film)#:~:text=Modern%20Times%20is%20a%201936,in%20the%20modern%2C%20industrialized%20world.
Original Variety Review: https://variety.com/1936/film/reviews/modern-times-2-1200411268/
Roger Ebert Review: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/modern-times-1972
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices