Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

A different way of telling a story

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

In a brand-new upload at YouTube, this is a must-see, especially for Chaplin fans -- and surely everyone is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDxNsaain5gStrangely, I had never seen this before, and it is very gratifying to find a Chaplin movie that is "new" to me.One reviewer said "Pay Day" was Chaplin's favorite, among his shorts, and I think he had many better, but this is often astonishingly creative fun.The story is not even slight. It's almost non-existent: Mostly a series of vignettes -- but very funny vignettes.It really doesn't end, just stops. Still, it's Chaplin, and funny, so do see it, and I hope you see it with the Lasky Famous Players Orchestra at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDxNsaain5g.There is one flaw in the music, and I've asked Scott Lasky about that, but, pish, it in no way detracts. Enjoy.

Arriving late for work on the construction site is not a good idea when you're trying to earn enough money to keep some back from your domineering wife. That is just the situation our hero finds himself in though, but it doesn't stop him enough a drink or five from night through to early morning.An afternoon of Charlie Chaplin shorts and features was mine recently as I tried to catch up on some things I had not seen before. Pay Day was one of those short films and while being roundly good, it is still an affair of two halves. The first half has some great bits in it, the reverse filmed bricklaying sequence being my favourite but the service elevator stuff is as good but in different ways. The second half is nearly as good but is too dominated by the device of drunkenness for my liking. That said it does still have some laugh-out-loud moments in there but for sure the first half is the strongest.Chaplin delivers with strength as usual. Whether it be his work with his face or his ability to work in reverse on the brick sequence, he is quite brilliant and you can see here some of the reasons that his name is mentioned when discussing genius. The support cast is not as important here as in some other films, as Chaplin tends to play off things more than people here. Still, regulars Swain, Perviance, Bergman and others are all here.Overall then a generally funny and enjoyable short film with Chaplin on inventive good form even if the second half is not quite up to the level of the first.

Said to be Chaplin's favorite of his short films, Pay Day is a quick, yet funny story of the Tramp and his Pay Day. Showing up to the job late, complaining about his wage, and then having to deal with his scary wife is just the first half of the movie. The night spent out on the town, drinking his problems away and then trying ever so hard to catch the train home is the second half. The physical comedy in Pay day is pure Chaplin. Catching the bricks, the escapades with the elevator and the mob to ride the train are segments that are unique and very funny. Still, Pay Day is not you average Chaplin film. There are moments in the movie that are just there to make you laugh. More of a joke filled story that an actual story with a beginning, middle and an end, Pay Day is a no holds bar comedy with the object to make the audience laugh. And it does.

When the group of fellas (not unlike my buddies) stroll out of the bar and start singing, I nearly p**sed myself when the lady dumped water on them. They were so drunk they thought it was raining and broke out the umbrella...Anyway, for anyone whose got drinkin' buddies, this is a must see. The brick laying is pretty good, an early use of playing the film backwards to create spectacular effects. Great thinking for the time this was filmed and I wonder if this was the first use of this technique.I wasn't too clear on what Charlie was up to when he reached in his pocket, lifted his leg, and then did the reach around...turns out to be a hilarious lighting of a match that just floored me.