Modern Times 

First, a confession. I am nearing 70 and, until now, I’ve never watched Modern Times. I’ve seen one or two of Charlie Chaplin’s less-celebrated movies and bits and pieces of a dozen others, but not Modern Times.

What a huge hole that has been in my appreciation of one of the great dramatic geniuses of my parents’ generation.

I’m trying to think of an appropriate analogy. Not for my coevals, but for the many younger people that read my blog. Maybe this will work: It would be as if they had never seen The Godfather or Annie Hall.

It’s the second-best silent film I’ve ever seen (after Sunrise). If you haven’t seen it yet – whatever your age – do so asap. It will put every other movie you’ve ever seen in proper perspective.