The Kid

Story

A heart-warming comedy drama following the story of an abandoned child, ‘The Kid’, his mother ‘The Woman’ and ‘The Tramp’ who accidentally discovers and adopts the child. Living in poverty, in a one-room home, The Kid and The Tramp form a deep happy bond, but when authorities learn The Tramp is not the child’s real father their future is threatened.

Why we chose it

The Kid is widely considered one of the greatest films of the silent era. Released in 1921 it was a huge success and was the second highest grossing film of the year. It was the first feature length silent film to successfully integrate slapstick comedy with high drama and pathos. In 2011 The Kid was selected for preservation by the United States Film Registry by the Library of Congress for its blend of touching drama, social commentary and inventive comedy.

Where it came from

Written, produced, directed and starring Charlie Chaplin, the settings and themes are thought to reflect Chaplin’s own impoverished childhood in London. The tragic loss of his infant son partly led Chaplin to create the story of an abandoned child and the lonely tramp.

Where it went next

Chaplin released a new version of the film for theatrical release in 1972, removing scenes he thought too sentimental to modern audiences and composing and recording a new musical score. It had its debut at a gala tribute to Chaplin in 1972, at Philharmonic Hall, New York City, and the 82- year-old himself was in attendance.

Associated stories

In 1989, Charles Land directed and directed and starred in Sidewalk Stories a remake of the film, updated to 1980s New York.