IMDb RATING
7.3/10
7.4K
YOUR RATING
Charlie is a boot camp private who has a dream of being a hero who goes on a daring mission behind enemy lines.Charlie is a boot camp private who has a dream of being a hero who goes on a daring mission behind enemy lines.Charlie is a boot camp private who has a dream of being a hero who goes on a daring mission behind enemy lines.
Charles Chaplin
- Doughboy
- (as Charlie Chaplin)
Syd Chaplin
- Charlie's Comrade
- (as Sydney Chaplin)
- …
W.J. Allen
- Motorcyclist
- (uncredited)
L.A. Blaisdell
- Motorcyclist
- (uncredited)
Alva D. Blake
- U.S. Soldier
- (uncredited)
- …
Cliff Brouwer
- Soldier
- (uncredited)
E. Brucker
- Bit Part in Street Scene
- (uncredited)
F.S. Colby
- Soldier
- (uncredited)
Wellington Cross
- Motorcyclist
- (uncredited)
E.H. Devere
- Bit Part in Street Scene
- (uncredited)
C.L. Dice
- Motorcyclist
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Charles Chaplin(uncredited)
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaMany in Hollywood were nervous that one of their most famous peers was going to tackle the subject of WWI. It was released shortly before the Armistice, so it did not help boost national morale, but it did end up as one of Charles Chaplin's most popular films and it was particularly popular with returning doughboys.
- GoofsCharlie, disguised as a tree, enters a pipe to escape a German. When the German tries to pull Charlie out, he separates the lower part of the tree costume along with Charlie's shoes. When Charlie emerges from the other end of the pipe, he is still wearing shoes.
- Crazy creditsThe short opens with a title card showing a caricature of Chaplin dressed as a World War I soldier, and text reading "Shoulder Arms Written and Produced by" followed by a blank space. A live action hand appears and points to the title, then the drawing, then uses a piece of white chalk to sign "Charles Chaplin" in the blank space, then points to the caricature one more time.
- ConnectionsEdited into The Chaplin Revue (1959)
Featured review
A Wonderful Combination Of Comedy, Commentary, And Adventure
One of Charlie Chaplin's very best shorter features, "Shoulder Arms" is a wonderful combination of comedy, commentary, and adventure. Charlie plays a soldier who heads off to World War I, and in the course of 40 minutes or so, it provides a light-hearted but in many respects believable portrayal of what life was like in the trenches. The story also combines some fine slapstick with some exciting adventures.
In this movie, Chaplin hits the perfect balance between humor and substance, helping us to sympathize with those who bore the burdens of the war, without ever becoming sentimental. The other characters are nicely conceived and acted, with the engaging Edna Purviance, the versatile Syd Chaplin, and other talented supporting players pitching in.
The story has many creative turns, plus a couple of good surprises. It's great entertainment, and thoughtful as well. Make sure to take a look if you enjoy Chaplin or silent comedies in general.
In this movie, Chaplin hits the perfect balance between humor and substance, helping us to sympathize with those who bore the burdens of the war, without ever becoming sentimental. The other characters are nicely conceived and acted, with the engaging Edna Purviance, the versatile Syd Chaplin, and other talented supporting players pitching in.
The story has many creative turns, plus a couple of good surprises. It's great entertainment, and thoughtful as well. Make sure to take a look if you enjoy Chaplin or silent comedies in general.
helpful•41
- Snow Leopard
- Sep 18, 2001
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Camouflage
- Filming locations
- 7th Street and Broadway, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA(traffic cop trouble in front of Bullock's Department Store.)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime36 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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