Which version do you prefer? 1925 or 1942 (with narration)?

Let's give a little latitude to Chaplin for his voice-over re-issue of TGR. As the narrator, he showed a good deal of verbal wit and, what's more, made it possible for this silent masterpiece to win at the box office one more time.

That being said, my favorite version is the fully silent one. Chaplin cut some of the original scenes, particularly the ending, though he may have done so, in part, out of prduction code/Hays Office concerns.

I like the 1925 version; the narration in the 1942 version is distracting.

The 1942 version is a travesty. An absolute travesty, and I don't hesitate to say so. For one, a silent film should remain silent. Therefore, as a purist, I'd be biased anyway. But hey, if it were a straight-forward change with nothing else added or edited, I wouldn't mind so much. No, the fatal flaw are the re-edits and changes of storyline! How could he? Others have mentioned these two examples: the introduction of Larson, and the note scene (which connects with the kissing scene). Somebody else already commented on how Larson's intro is much better (show vs tell) in the silent version. For my part I'll say how the note scene is vastly superior.

I think the movie works better with Georgia being a callous, ultimately shallow chick. It makes us feel more sorry for The Tramp, and lends the whole thing a more somber feel that balances well with the comedy. So when we find out that note of apology (which we initially think is for The Tramp) is actually for Jack, it's both a neat movie twist and is consistent with her elusive character. In the silent version it's one of my very favorite scenes of the film. Importantly, it shows that while she cares for the Tramp in a pitiful kind of way, it's clearly nothing more. Which, for me, makes the satire of the end all the more biting. Now that he's a millionaire, she wants to kiss him! Ouch. The kiss makes the whole denouement darker, more complex even. Thus, just for those changes alone the 1925 version is far, far superior.

I mean I'm still confused why he did the narration thing when he was so obviously tentative about going into sound in the first place. In 1931 and 1936 he made semi-silent movies (and better for their silence!), then he goes and ruins one of his best silent movies by taking it into sound. Not only a bad call, but a touch hypocritical. Anyway, I don't mean to sound too harsh, I still love Charlie.

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I've seen the 1925 version several times but came across the 1942 version by accident and very much enjoyed it, though I didn't watch the film in its entirety.

I've no doubt the original is better. But if for some reason someone can't sit through a silent film, even a funny one, then I thought the voice-over was decent and even funny. Even the little "buzz buzz" at the end