A half reel propaganda film, funded by and starring Charlie
Chaplin, The Bond is a unique film in
Chaplin’s cannon in that it is the only film he ever made to be filmed in front
of a plain black set. There are just a few dimly lit props littered around the
stage alongside the actors, Chaplin regulars Edna Purviance, Albert Austin and
Sydney Chaplin. The film depicts several sketches along the theme of bonds,
from friendship to marriage to the most important, Liberty Bonds.
Though not in the least bit funny the film is still an
interesting watch and Chaplin’s simple to understand depiction of what Bonds
actually did would have been seen by millions of people across the world. In a
very simple sketch Chaplin offers up his savings to Uncle Sam who in turn gives
it to Industry who finally furnishes soldiers with rifles. The idea is simple
and easy to understand despite the lack of dialogue. In the final scene,
Chaplin uses a large hammer with the words Liberty Bonds engraved on the side
to smash the Kaiser into submission, thereby further expressing the idea of the
difference the bonds can make.
