Review of City Lights (2014) by Silas L — 20 Mar 2010
The acting without dialogue is some of the best acting that I have ever seen in my life, and the story is deep, complex and funny.. The sound is also great.. Here is the plot: Chaplin makes the acquaintance of a blind flower girl (Virginia Cherrill), who through a series of coincidences has gotten the impression that the shabby tramp is a millionaire.
A second storyline begins when the tramp rescues a genuine millionaire (Harry Myers) from committing suicide. When drunk, the millionaire expansively treats the tramp as a friend and equal; when sober, he doesn't even recognize him.
The two plots come together when the tramp attempts to raise enough money for the blind girl to have an eye operation. Highlights include an extended boxing sequence pitting scrawny Chaplin against muscle-bound Hank Mann, and the poignant final scene in which the now-sighted flower girl sees her impoverished benefactor for the first time.
Chaplin's decision to release the silent City Lights three years into the talkie era was partially vindicated when more than one critic singled out this comedy in pantomime as the best picture of 1931.
~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide.
This review of City Lights (2014) was written by Silas L on 20 Mar 2010.
City Lights has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
