Charlie Chaplin Triple Feature
The Adventurer, The Immigrant, and Easy Street
You're invited to a night of laughter and cinematic history as we screen The Adventurer, The Immigrant, and Easy Street—three films that highlight Charlie Chaplin’s mastery of The Tramp character and his unmatched ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary.
First introduced in 1914, The Tramp became the cornerstone of Chaplin’s artistry, fame and comedic brilliance. With his signature mustache and distinctive demeanor, The Tramp remained constant throughout Chaplin’s career, while his costumes evolved to fit the unique situations of each film.
This triple-feature offers a rare opportunity to experience The Tramp during what Chaplin describes as one of the most "creative and liberating" periods of his career, which would span to include 82 films from 1914 to 1967. These three films represent the pinnacle of Chaplin’s short-film era and will transport you back to the heart of his comedic genius.
Join us for:
- The Adventurer: In this fast-paced comedy, Charlie Chaplin and his Tramp, star as an escaped convict on the run from the law, showcasing his signature blend of slapstick mischief and physical humor. After saving a wealthy woman and her family, including frequent Chaplin co-star Edna Purviance, from drowning, he becomes entangled in their lives while evading the relentless pursuit of law enforcement. The film features hilarious chase scenes, clever disguises, and a sharp commentary on class and justice, highlighting Chaplin’s skill at blending comedy with subtle social critique.
- The Immigrant: This heartfelt yet humorous short empathetically captures the immigrant experience through Chaplin’s iconic Tramp character, who travels to America in search of a better life, expertly highlighting the physical humor The Tramp is known for. Opening aboard a ship, the film presents comical scenes of seasickness, cramped conditions and the hardships of a new country, including poverty and prejudice. One of Chaplin’s most famous shorts, The Immigrant resonates with the universal theme of immigration in the late 1800s and early 1900s, offering a lighthearted yet poignant look at a reality many could relate to—one that is now primarily captured through film.
- Easy Street: In this beloved short, Chaplin’s Tramp becomes an unlikely hero, transformed from a reformed vagrant into a policeman assigned to patrol the dangerous neighborhood of Easy Street. Battling a hulking bully amidst the chaos of the slums, Chaplin masterfully blends comedy with social commentary. The elaborate set, designed to evoke the streets of Chaplin’s childhood in London, and each meticulously choreographed stunt by Chaplin himself, make Easy Street one of his most celebrated and enduring works.
While we had originally planned to present The Gold Rush accompanied by the Balboa Theatre’s iconic Wonder Morton Theatre Organ, licensing restrictions have led to a change in our lineup. If you purchased tickets to see The Gold Rush and prefer to obtain a refund or exchange your ticket for another movie in the Silent Movie Monday series, please email ticketing@sandiegotheatres.org.