Which of these films would be the best for a first timer?

All worth seeing. Of those three, I recommend starting with The Gold Rush. I think it's probably the most universally accessible of the three. City Lights may be the most artistic.

You can't go wrong with any of those, nor any other Chaplin film. I think City Lights is the best among those, and I think I've read that Chaplin's personal favorite was The Gold Rush, but I suppose to for your question I might suggest Modern Times. It's a film that could ease you into the experience of watching a silent film, being that it was made a full six years into the sound era. Also bear in mind that like City Lights, only more so here, Modern Times is not a 'true' silent film, given that it has a synchronized sound track. But any of these films would be a great way to get into silents. And don't overlook Chaplin's '28 feature film, The Circus, which was as consistently funny as any film he made.

Will Hays is my shepherd, I shall not want. Wills prod and Will's gaff, they confound me.

I believe that Gold Rush has the best combination of pathos, story, visuals, and comedy. I am a bigger fan of Keaton than of Chaplin, but I will say that Gold Rush is my favorite Chaplin film.

However, I would recommend that you take in some silent SHORT comedies from all of the greats: Keaton, Lloyd, Chaplin, and Laurel & Hardy. In my opinion, the SHORT film is the best vehicle for silent comedy, at least in the earlier silent film days.

I really don't know much about Chaplin's short silents, or Lloyd's. For Keaton, I recommend The Boat and One Week. For Laurel & Hardy, Big Business.

I hope you find your silent movie experience to be as rewarding as mine was.

- Oh, SOMEbody asides me is gonna RUE this here particular day...

I think I'm going to try The Gold Rush first, then Modern Times and finally City Lights.

CITY LIGHTS: 3/10
MODERN TIMES: 8/10
THE GOLD RUSH: 9/10

Of the three, Modern Times is my favorite.

You may also want to consider The Kid.

Happy silent film-ing!😀

Half-Blood 15
After all, tomorrow is another day ~ Gone with the Wind

Nice, then as recommended watch some of his short films as well as other silent comedians of that time.

Here are a few Chaplin shorts I recommend you watch...

One A.M
Shoulder Arms
The Rink
A dog's life
The Idle Class

I finally watched all three films and was impressed by all three. I found all three very easy to follow. I thought Gold Rush was the funniest and Modern Times had the best overall story. I still prefer talked but I'll definitely check out more silent films in the future