Until late in his career, Charlie Chaplin's films often displayed a real "Populist" bent--advocating, indirectly, for better treatment for the poor and basic fairness. Later in life, this was taken to be an affinity for Communism or Socialism, but at this time in history, it was strongly in sync with the American ethos. Later, after feeling disinherited from his adopted country, he showed incredibly cynicism and disgust for humanity (such as in the terribly dark MONSIEUR VERDOUX--1947).
This film is probably the best example of this social conscience. Charlie becomes a policeman and is sent into the most dangerous and horrid slum to "clean up the place". Most of the film is spent trying to apprehend the chief "baddie"--a mountain of a man played by Eric Campbell. It's very funny and great entertainment to see Charlie, through wits and agility, succeed.
At the end, after the town has been pacified, we see the Utopian view of society as envisioned by Chaplin. The streets are clean, people (including Campbell) are decently dressed and civilized, employment agencies and social service agencies adorn the streets and all is well. Believe it or not, this did not seem preachy or out of place, as this ideal society was well-integrated into the film and gave a sweet positive ending to the film--much better than the police just bashing the bad guys up side the head and jailing everyone. Is this realistic? Not exactly, but it sure is nice to see how he saw how life COULD be in a better world.
This film is probably the best example of this social conscience. Charlie becomes a policeman and is sent into the most dangerous and horrid slum to "clean up the place". Most of the film is spent trying to apprehend the chief "baddie"--a mountain of a man played by Eric Campbell. It's very funny and great entertainment to see Charlie, through wits and agility, succeed.
At the end, after the town has been pacified, we see the Utopian view of society as envisioned by Chaplin. The streets are clean, people (including Campbell) are decently dressed and civilized, employment agencies and social service agencies adorn the streets and all is well. Believe it or not, this did not seem preachy or out of place, as this ideal society was well-integrated into the film and gave a sweet positive ending to the film--much better than the police just bashing the bad guys up side the head and jailing everyone. Is this realistic? Not exactly, but it sure is nice to see how he saw how life COULD be in a better world.