About City Lights

Released on January 30, 1931, "City Lights" is a romantic comedy-drama silent film. It was produced, written, and directed by world-renowned comedic genius Charlie Chaplin. It revolves around The Tramp, played by Chaplin, and his love interest, a blind flower girl portrayed by Virginia Cherrill. As a romantic tale infuse with comedy, it weaves a touching narrative where "The Little Tramp" falls in love and tries to help the blind woman see again.

Making / Production

Despite the advent of sound in films, Chaplin decided to create "City Lights" as a silent film. He believed that "The Little Tramp" character communicates best in pantomime. This decision made "City Lights" a significant film as it saw success despite being silent in the era of talkies.

Actors

• Charlie Chaplin as The Little Tramp: Chaplin beautifully and passionately played the role of a carefree man who shows uncanny resilience and kindness.
• Virginia Cherrill as The Blind Flower Girl: She charmed audiences with her sensitive portrayal of a blind girl who falls for The Tramp’s kindness.
• Harry Myers as The Eccentric Millionaire: Myers brilliantly portrays a millionaire who befriends The Tramp when drunk but fails to recognize him when sober.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This film is hailed as the last significant silent film in the era of talkies.
• Despite being primarily a silent film, "City Lights" does have a synchronized musical score and sound effects created by Chaplin himself.
• It took Chaplin more than two years to complete this film, which is the longest he's ever spent on a film.

Awards

"City Lights" was never officially nominated for an Oscar, even though it was a huge hit among audiences and critics alike. However, it is number 11 on the American Film Institute's list of the best American films ever made.

Quotes

• "What can you do with a man that fights for love?" - Virginia Cherrill as The Blind Girl
• "Tomorrow the birds will sing." - Charlie Chaplin as The Little Tramp

Music, Soundtrack

• "La Violetera" – the main theme of the blind flower girl, originally a Spanish song by José Padilla
• Overture: Performed by the Alfred Newman Hollywood Symphony Orchestra