Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
End of an Era
Charlie Chaplins Modern Times
Near where you are now standing, silent film comic Charlie Chaplin, with Paulette Goddard at his side, appeared in the final scene of the epic comedy Modern Times. The film was released on February 5, 1936, nearly ten years into the talkie era, and was the last major silent film ever produced. It was here that Chaplin's most famous character, The Little Tramp, ambled off for the last time, drawing the curtain on the Silent Era.
Modern Times was released during the Great Depression and showed how The Little Tramp struggled to survive in an industrialized society.
Photographs and lobby cards from the film.
Erected 2011 by Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 34° 22.492′ N, 118° 31.422′ W. Marker is in Santa Clarita, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Newhall Avenue west of Railroad Avenue. This marker is currently being relocated - see below. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24101 Newhall Avenue,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: San Fernando Tunnel (here, next to this marker); Saugus Train Station (here, next to this marker); Mitchell Adobe (within shouting distance of this marker); Mogul Locomotive (within shouting distance of this marker); Newhall Ranch House (within shouting distance of this marker); Pardee House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Edison House (about 400 feet away); Kingsburry House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Clarita.
More about this marker. The planned location for this marker is 25 miles northeast of Newhall, on Sierra Highway near Thomas Road. Permission
February 5, 2011
2. Marker Unveiling Ceremony
On the 75th anniversary of the movies release.
Touching the marker is film historian and author Leonard Maltin.
Also see . . . Final Scene. The Modern Times ending can be viewed on YouTube. The familiar music was written by Charlie Chaplin for this movie. (Submitted on September 19, 2020.)
1936
3. Final Scene
2011
4. Final Scene Today
The location has not changed much in 75 years. This is on Sierra Highway 3½ miles east of Agua Dulce Canyon Road, looking west.
2017
5. Train Station
Home of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society museum, and the location of the marker unveiling ceremony.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2018. This page has been viewed 1,964 times since then and 101 times this year. Last updated on September 19, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 14, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker at its new location, when/if it is installed. • Can you help?
