The Champion Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Champion.
The Champion Ending Explained: Walking along with his bulldog, Charlie finds a "good luck" horseshoe just as he passes a training camp advertising for a boxing partner "who can take a beating. Directed by Charlie Chaplin, this 1915 comedy film stars Charlie Chaplin (Challenger), alongside Edna Purviance as Trainer's Daughter, Ernest Van Pelt as Spike Dugan, Lloyd Bacon as Second Sparring Partner / Exerciser in Gym / Referee. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Champion?
Walking along with his bulldog, Charlie finds a "good luck" horseshoe just as he passes a training camp advertising for a boxing partner "who can take a beating." After watching others lose, Charlie puts the horseshoe in his glove and wins. The trainer prepares Charlie to fight the world champion. A gambler wants Charlie to throw the fight. He and the trainer's daughter fall in love.
Charlie Chaplin's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Charlie Chaplin (Challenger)'s journey. " After watching others lose, Charlie puts the horseshoe in his glove and wins.
How Does Charlie Chaplin (Challenger)'s Story End?
- Charlie Chaplin: Charlie Chaplin's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Edna Purviance (Trainer's Daughter): Edna Purviance's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ernest Van Pelt (Spike Dugan): Ernest Van Pelt's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Champion Mean?
The Champion's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Charlie Chaplin may feel rushed. Charlie Chaplin's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.