The Immigrant (1917)

Charlie Chaplin - The Immigrant (1917) - Colorized Movie

HD Colorized Restoration of the Charlie Chaplin Classic

Plot Summary

This classic short film follows Charlie, the Little Tramp, as an immigrant crossing the Atlantic. Onboard the steamship, he is quickly infatuated with Edna, another immigrant who is traveling with her ailing mother. After winning big in a card game, Charlie hides the money in Edna's bag to avoid being robbed, only to be falsely accused of theft later. Edna clears his name, and the two part ways upon arrival in America.

Broke in the Land of Liberty, Charlie finds a coin and decides to treat himself and Edna to a lavish restaurant meal. However, his excitement turns to disaster when he discovers the coin has slipped out through a hole in his pocket. The hilarious dilemma of trying to pay the bill and dealing with the intimidating head waiter is a masterclass in silent-era slapstick comedy.

Film Details

Director
Charles Chaplin
Writers
Charles Chaplin, Vincent Bryan, Maverick Terrell
Release Date
June 17, 1917 (US)
Country of Origin
United States
Genres
Short, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Runtime
30 minutes (Approx)
Production Co.
Lone Star Corporation

Principal Cast

  • Charles Chaplin: Immigrant / Little Tramp
  • Edna Purviance: Immigrant
  • Eric Campbell: Head Waiter
  • Albert Austin: Russian Restaurant Diner
  • Henry Bergman: An Artist
  • Frank J. Coleman: Bearded Gambler

A Deeper Look: The Immigrant - A Chaplin Masterpiece and the Art of Colorization

The Immigrant (1917) stands as one of Charlie Chaplin’s most critically acclaimed short films from his time with the Mutual Film Corporation. Released during a period of immense change in American society and film, it is recognized for its unique blend of sharp social commentary and the signature pathos of the Little Tramp character. Unlike his earlier, purely farcical comedies, The Immigrant dives into the poignant realities faced by those arriving in America, specifically the crowded conditions of the sea voyage and the often-harsh realities encountered upon reaching the "Land of Liberty."

Historical Significance and the Little Tramp

The film’s power lies in its structure, essentially split into two distinct parts: the journey across the Atlantic, where the Tramp defends Edna from a harsh encounter and secures money during a card game; and the famous restaurant sequence in New York City. The latter section is a magnificent study in humiliation and resilience, as the Tramp attempts to maintain dignity while dealing with poverty, an intimidating head waiter (played brilliantly by Eric Campbell), and the sheer panic of discovering a hole in his pocket. It is here that Chaplin cemented the Tramp as a figure of eternal optimism battling overwhelming systemic challenges.

The final scene, where the Tramp casually kicks the marriage license official to distraction to secure his future with Edna, provides a heartwarming, albeit anarchic, end to the struggle. This ability to infuse comedy with genuine sentiment made Chaplin a global icon and this film a National Film Registry selection.

The Impact of Colorization and Restoration

While The Immigrant was conceived and shot in black and white, this HD colorized and restored version offers a fresh perspective on a century-old masterpiece. The restoration process goes beyond simple color addition; it involves meticulous frame-by-frame cleanup to remove artifacts, scratches, and damage accumulated over decades, stabilizing the image for modern viewing.

The addition of color, when done tastefully and with historical sensitivity, can help modern viewers connect with the film by adding a layer of visual context that was lost when black and white became the default medium. It subtly enhances the set design, the costumes, and the expressions of performers like Edna Purviance, making the experience more immersive for audiences accustomed to contemporary cinema. This process respects the original artistry while extending the film's legacy and accessibility in the 21st century.

Watch The Immigrant (1917) - Colorized HD

Enjoy the restored and colorized version of this public domain classic.

The arrival in the Land of Liberty.