NEW CHAPLIN FILM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22142, 22 June 1935, Page 11 (Supplement)

NEW CHAPLIN FILM

DETAILS OF PRODUCTION Some interesting facts about Charles Chaplin's new picture, long surrounded with mystery as "Production No. 5," but actually to be known as "The Masses," have been released. it will be '"one of the most costly pictures made since the depression—the most lavish, indeed, that even Mr. Chaplin has done. He is said to have invested more than £200,000 of his own money in it, which is unprecedented for an actor—-and probably for a producer. Since his silent technique still gives him a world market, he has little fear of not getting his money back, .with interest.

In recent years Mr. Chaplin has taken to economics and a mild form of Socialism. This is reflected in the film.

which is to be a satire on the machine age and its politics. We see a huge factory with hundreds of workers performing minute specialised operations. Charlie's job, standing an endless chain, is to screw on "llllts. When bo docs steal a second the chain breaks down, the factory is disorganised, and Charlie is sacked on the spot —though not heiore lie gets caught up in the machinery and whirled around on a huge wheel. Mr. Chaplin, whose last -picture was shown in 19:50, intends to take a theatre in New York and show his picture himself.