Chaplin's sense of humor in depicting an Army private dreaming of heroism was apparently enough to boost the morale of Americans everywhere just before the Armistice that ended WWI.
But the film, running only 46 minutes and a salute to the guys in the trenches, while containing moments of inventive sight gags (sleeping in water filled bunks, impersonating a tree trunk to fool the enemy, etc.), certainly doesn't rank among Chaplin's best works. There's a hurried feel to the editing which makes one suspect a lot of cutting was done in order to trim the movie down to size, exhibitors wanting a short film--not a feature.
CHARLIE CHAPLIN has the tramp-like appearance throughout (especially in the marching scenes where he can't seem to put his best foot forward), and EDNA PURVIANCE is once again his leading lady, doing nicely as a French gal who helps him defeat the enemy.
Too bad he didn't redo this one later on when his films had more polish.
But the film, running only 46 minutes and a salute to the guys in the trenches, while containing moments of inventive sight gags (sleeping in water filled bunks, impersonating a tree trunk to fool the enemy, etc.), certainly doesn't rank among Chaplin's best works. There's a hurried feel to the editing which makes one suspect a lot of cutting was done in order to trim the movie down to size, exhibitors wanting a short film--not a feature.
CHARLIE CHAPLIN has the tramp-like appearance throughout (especially in the marching scenes where he can't seem to put his best foot forward), and EDNA PURVIANCE is once again his leading lady, doing nicely as a French gal who helps him defeat the enemy.
Too bad he didn't redo this one later on when his films had more polish.