The Pilgrim (1923 film)

The Pilgrim is a 1923 American silent comedy film written, produced, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin. It is Chaplin's second-longest film, surpassed only by The Kid. The film tells the story of a recently escaped convict who is mistaken for the new pastor in a small Texas town.

The plot revolves around Chaplin's character, a fugitive, stumbling into the role of a clergyman. He attempts to maintain the charade while his criminal past threatens to be exposed. Much of the humor derives from the contrast between his unrefined mannerisms and the expected behavior of a minister.

Edna Purviance co-stars as a young woman in the town, and Kitty Bradbury plays a stern church elder. The film's themes include hypocrisy, redemption, and the clash between appearances and reality.

The Pilgrim was Chaplin's last film for First National Pictures. Its reception was generally positive, though some critics found its religious satire somewhat controversial. Despite its relatively short length compared to Chaplin's later works, The Pilgrim is considered a significant entry in his filmography and showcases his signature blend of physical comedy and social commentary.