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| Modern Times was not only Hollywood's last "silent" film (although the film had sound effects and Chaplin's voice is heard for the first time in a nonsense song at the end), but it also marked the farewell appearance of The Little Tramp. |
Chaplin's first film in five years created a near-riot situation outside the Rivoli Theater in New York. Nearly 5000 curious fans stormed the doors of the theater hoping to catch a glimpse of the celebrities who were attending the premiere, among them were Gloria Swanson, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Edward G. Robinson, Ginger Rogers, and Anna May Wong. Chaplin and his co-star Paulette Goddard did not attend the New York opening but did attend the Hollywood premiere a week later on February 12th.
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| The scene outside the Rivoli for Chaplin's premiere. |
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| Chaplin Studios Daily Production Report for Feb. 5th, 1936. The premiere is mentioned in the memo section. (The initials "C.H." are probably those of secretary Catherine Hunter) Source: Modern Times, Chaplin Project N. 2 |