Modern Times Synopsis

Charlie is a factory worker in this hectic age - a minor cog in the grinding wheels of industry. His job -mechanically tightening bolts on a moving belt. The monotony of the work drives him beserk. Taken to hospital he soon recovers and is discharged, cautioned to avoid excitement.

Caught in a street riot, he is mistaken for the leader and thrown into a patrol wagon.

Charlie unconsciously thwarts an attempted jailbreak. As a reward he is given a cell with all the comforts of home. But just as he is ready to settle down to a life of ease and contentment in jail, he is pardoned. He then gets a job in a shipyard, but is fired for doing the wrong things at the wrong times. He resolves to return to the comfort and security of jail.

He meets the girl - a gamine of the waterfront. She and her orphaned sisters are about to be taken into custody by the juvenile welfare officers, but she escapes. When she is about to be arrested for stealing food, Charlie attempts to take the blame, without success. He wanders into a cafeteria, orders everything in sight, then informs the manager that he has no money to pay.

On the way to jail he meets the girl again. Together they escape and from then on they are inseparable companions.

Charlie gets a job as night watchman in a department store. His first night on duty is hectic. Burglars invade the store, and Charlie is involved once again with the police, and once more shunted to jail.

Released, he meets the girl who has found herself a job as a cabaret dancer. She gets Charlie a job in the same restaurant as a singing waiter. He proves a huge success. Happiness seems close now, but the juvenile welfare officers have finally tracked the girl down.

They attempt to take her into custody, but Charlie foils them and escapes with the girl. Together they trudge down the lonely road, ready to face whatever the future may bring.