Not all the early Chaplin films are classics, but this one is. The best bits are the chasing scenes, especially at the beginning (Charlie escaping from prison) and in the middle. The way Chaplin makes excellent and varying use of a humble lampshade should put many modern filmmakers with their inflated budgets to shame.

• The chauffeur was played by Toraichi Kono, who was Charles Chaplin's own butler, chauffeur, secretary, and bodyguard from 1916 to 1934.