The Immigrant (1917) | The Film Index

Film Record

The Immigrant

Country: United States
Release: 17 JUN 1917
Runtime: 24 min
Original Language: English

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A European immigrant endures a challenging voyage only to get into trouble as soon as he arrives in New York.

Why It's Here

Charlie Chaplin’s two-reel masterpiece seamlessly blends high-level slapstick with sharp social commentary. It is an essential text for studying how early physical comedy was used to humanize marginalized figures and critique the myth of the "American Dream."

What to Watch For: The rocking boat sequence. Watch how the camera physically swings back and forth to simulate the stormy ocean, creating a moving stage for Chaplin’s perfectly timed physical comedy. Also note the poignant, deeply ironic framing of the Statue of Liberty as the immigrants are roped off like cattle.

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Behind The Scenes

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