for the “haves” in society. The plot of Modern Times is simple. Chaplin’s wickedly funny Tramp becomes figuratively and literally pulled into the gears of the industrial machine. His mishaps lead to his being victimized as a labor agitator or communist. By accident, he causes a factory riot. From being put in jail to becoming a “nut” himself, the Tramp becomes familiar with the plight of the working man. His love interest is a street girl who experiences his misadventures with him. He finally seems to find success as a singer/waiter (emphasis on the singing skills not service ones!) only to have authorities try to take the gamin away. They run away together and in the end the Tramp tells his love, who is discouraged from their misfortunes, “Buck up! Never say die – we’ll get along.” It is as moving as the final speech of Tom Joad in Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. For even though the entire film
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