City Lights (1931)
Parental guidance recommended
| Director: | Charles Chaplin |
| Actors: | Charlie Chaplin, Al Ernest Garcia, Hank Mann, Harry Myers, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee |
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 (Virginia Cherrill).
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..
| Status: | LongWait |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 86mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 1.33:1 Fullscreen |
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Member Reviews (16)
16 Member
Reviews
William C
says
still a classic and still funny
BrianM
says
With the exception of Limelight, ever been a fan of Chaplins and avoided his films for a long time. I shouldn't have. This is truly a classic movie. The boxing secenes are a hoot.The added music is wonderful. The final scene is wrenching. I will have to watch more
Arthur S.
says
I waited until my 40s to watch Chaplin, perhaps because I'm afraid of too much sentimentality. But I liked City Lights in spite of myself -- there are some truly funny moments. Perhaps too the perverse lens granted by virtue of having seen Monsieur Verdoux first casts the tramp (and his infatuation with the blind girl) in an entirely different light. I must admit however that Chaplin displays a gift for emotional nuance, even while engaged in the broadest slapstick, that must be the secret to his star-power.
Elspeth N.
says
Fabulous - very entertaining. Chaplin is just fantastic. So many funny little bits - the millionaire who is Chaplins best friend when drunk and turns him out every time he is sober, the fight scene - the wonderfully evocative music which replaces dialogue. Well deserving of its place as a top movie of all time.
Big Ads G
says
Another film at the top of my list to show people who say "Black and white films are old and boring!" alongside Sweet Smell Of Success.
Charlie Chaplin is/was a master. His body and facial control is something to be inspired by, and his knowledge of when to shift the joke into something else JUST before it gets old is astonishing.
The ending brought tears to my eyes, and the shot is one of the most memorable endings in cinema history. Fun for all creeds, genders and ages. Highly recommended with honours!
Neville C.
says
As Normal Desmond says of the silent movies in Sunset Boulevard: "We didn't need dialogue. We had faces!" Slapstick funny & gently moving.
Lynn K.
says
This absolute classic is an absolute charmer. Every physical comedy routine you've ever seen was inspired by this gem. The cover said 188 min., but really it's 88 perfect minutes. Get it!
says
Nigel W.
says
I find it hard watching Chaplin movies because I find the tramp figure pathetic and sentimental. That's not to say Chaplin wasn't a great artist in his day, but the world has moved on. Maybe it's something to do with the effect today's afflluence has had on our social conscience in that we can no longer connect with the simple feelings of earlier generations. Should we once again experience poverty and hardship we might again connect. Nevertheless City Lights is one of the better Chaplin movies and a good introduction.
Timothy M.
says
delightful
Matt T.
says
Isabelle R.
says
I absolutely adored this film-wonderfully tender pathos created by Chaplin. Each character is larger than life and timeless. Much more satisfying than the 'realism' of today's cinema.
Aderito P.
says
Jack K.
says
Despite some slapstick reservations, I liked City Lights and three highlights come to mind: Composer Charlie Chaplin’s music score has some lyrical Classical evocations that compliment many of the scenes. The pseudo-fight sequences are marvelously choreographed, especially Charlie’s quick stepping use of the referee as a screen. And YES, the final scene is tops and a terrific tear tweaker. Perhaps Charlie had little choice but to provide the viewer with a write-your-own-ending ending. “Yes, I see now” this was for the best. Three and a half stars.
Audrey F.
says
Graham S.
says
We thought it was a gym - worth watching for the boxing scene alone!