One of Chaplin's most highly acclaimed films, 'City Lights' is both a classic and a personal statement in which the master of pantomime proves the eloquence of silence. Combining wonderful comedy in the finest Chaplin tradition and evocative drama, the Little Tramp falls in love with a beautiful, blind flower girl. She believes he is wealthy and he, in turn, sets out to raise the money for the operation that could restore her sight. Through countless mishaps, a cycle of mistaken identities, and a lot of luck, he finally succeeds and the operation is a success. The final scene, in which the girl discovers the true identity of her benefactor, is a poignant encounter that has been lauded as one of the most memorable and moving moments in film comedy.
Directed by
Charles Chaplin
Written by
Charles Chaplin
Starring
Virginia Cherrill (A Blind Girl); Florence Lee (The Blind Girl's Grandmother); Harry Myers (An Eccentric Millionaire); Al Ernest Garcia (The Eccentric Millionaire's Butler - vas Allan Garcia); Hank Mann (A Prizefighter); Charles Chaplin (A Tramp - as Charlie Chaplin). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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Comedy with a Heart
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
Chaplin balances a fine blend of comedy and romance in City Lights to brilliant effect. Themes of mercy, charity and courage also run through the film with the saving of the suicidal man from jumping in the river, coming to the aid of the impoverished blind girl and getting into the ring in a David and Goliath match up... a fine film on a par with the revered Modern Times.
