Review of City Lights (2014) by Stuart K — 17 Jan 2009
Charlie Chaplin worked on this film for nearly 3 years on this heartwarming romantic comedy, he even managed to resist making it into a talkie when everyone else were making them, and he succeed with near perfection.
It has his beloved Little Tramp falling for a blind flower girl (Virginia Cherrill), who mistakes him for a rich man. Not wanting to disappoint the blind girl, the Tramp decides he will become her benefactor, and cure her of her blindness, and through serendipity, is able to raise the money through the help of a drunken, suicidal millionnaire (Harry Myers).
It is a film which really touches the heart, and tickles the funny bone. Chaplin was often accused of letting sentimentality and pathos get in the way of his comedy, but on this occassion, it works. Even in an era where everyone else was making films in full sound, he made a silent-ish movie, (save for a score which Chaplin himself composed) and amusing sound effects.
He did the right thing keeping the Little Tramp silent, everyone has their own image of what he sounds like, the minute he talks, the image is shattered. Oh, and the ending is heartbreaking and beautiful.
This review of City Lights (2014) was written by Stuart K on 17 Jan 2009.
City Lights has generally received very positive reviews.
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