City Lights (1931)

City Lights (1931)

8/10

Starring

Charlie Chaplin

Virginia Cherrill

Florence Lee

Harry Myers

Directed by Charlie Chaplin

After being fortunate enough to see many of the old Charlie Chaplin classics, City Lights stands out as the best I’ve seen him in. Charlie’s films will always hold a special place in the history of filmmaking, as he brought something entirely new to the silver screen. City Lights is an exceptional silent film that showcases the simplicity of romance and the lengths one will go to preserve it—from living a lie to going to jail, all in the name of love.

The final scene in the movie has been cited by many as one of the greatest scenes in cinema history. I agree with that claim. The Tramp’s melancholy look as all the walls of lies crumble will touch you in a way that makes you smile. The acting that follows is masterfully done.

Next to that scene, my second favorite is the boxing fight. If you haven’t seen this movie before, get ready for the laugh of your life. The screenplay is masterful, the acting is wonderful, and the sound effects are just enough. Scenes like this make you wonder what Charlie’s movies would have been like if he had all the gadgets and budgets that studios pour into films today.

Like other Chaplin movies, this is a slapstick comedy made in 1931. Chaplin wrote, produced, and directed the film. By the time of its release, “talkies” (movies with sound) were already in vogue, but Chaplin took a risk by making this a silent film. He did fear that the reception might not be good, but the movie performed well at the box office and was widely praised.

The story, like many of his others, follows the Tramp (Charlie Chaplin). This time, the Tramp meets and falls in love with a beautiful girl who happens to be blind.

During one of his leisurely strolls, the Tramp runs into a wealthy man whom he befriends. However, their relationship is on and off, as the man sometimes recognizes Charlie but later forgets they know each other. The Tramp uses his connection with the wealthy man to help his love, who is going through financial trouble.

Ranked eleventh on the AFI’s list of the greatest films of all time, City Lights is a classic romantic comedy that will keep Charlie’s name on the lips of filmgoers for a long time. No matter how you feel about silent movies, make sure this one doesn’t pass you by.