This film is given some background in the commentary given on the DVD. This briefly explains the situation in the 1920's, which is, I believe, the time the film is about, and also gives further information on Charles Chaplin himself. It is enjoyable as a light entertainment after seeing too many of the usual story lines from Hollywood.
This is generally a silent comedy though there are a few written story board type conversations and some speech when synchronisation is not critical such as the radio. There is a scene when Chaplin accidentally finds some cocaine and thinking it is a food additive rubs it on his gums and then knocks unconscious some prison inmates in a drug fuelled frenzy. I don't think that the censor board would be keen on that now. The slap stick is good, the romance a bit clichéd, the comedy mediocre.
Modern Times is arguably the best of the Charlie Chaplin Little Ttamp movies. As with his other films, he wrote, directed, produced, omposed the music and starred. There are the familiar and brilliant shots of him going through the cogs of the giant factory machines. Paulette Goddard who was his partner and muse for 10 years plays a feisty orphan survivor who becomes his friend and fellow traveler in life. There are startling scenes, including archival news footage of lines of unemployed , bread lines and people protesting unemployment. One scene has The Little Tramp dancing and singing a delightful song that he acts out. It is the only time Chaplin spoke in a movie. The movie is delightful and heartbreaking as you see them refuse to give up hope. Watching the special features I learned that Chaplin traveled to other countries meeting leaders including Ghandi to discuss employment. He believed that machines should be to enable people to lead better lives, not to take over jobs. Modern Times gives messages that are important for our own times.