The Kid (1921)
Directed and Written by: Charlie Chaplin
"Please love and care for this orphan child"
A hopeless and distraught mother makes the ultimate decision to leave her child in the hopeful hands of a wealthy family. The infant is discovered by a pair of men and they decide to abandon it. Fortunately, for the child The Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) stumbles across the baby. After several failed attempts to abandon it he feels apathy for the child when he reads the note. Now, years later John (the child) is grown up and quite the model citizen like his dear papa! They enjoy mischief and swindles together. It's apparent that The Tramp becomes the boy's father in a way. He raises it as his own but sometime later his mother begins to feel remorse for her decision. She begins her search for her son. Will she find her son and will the Tramp (Charlie) be able to part with his son easily?
A very sweet story with a strong cast. After some research it turns out this is one of Charlie Chaplin's first full length films he directed. It was sweet and despondent. You don't know whether to root for the mother or the Tramp. I personally was rooting for his character. John becomes more of an adopted son who he loves and raises as his own. Through mischief the message of love can't be avoided. It was an endearing film and I loved the cinematography. The score was fitting and composed by Charlie Chaplin.
Overall, I enjoyed this film.
8.7/10
**** Fair Warning**** This film is a product of it's time.
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