CITY LIGHTS
Charlie Chaplin was one of the few who could do it all. For this film he wrote, directed, starred in, edited, composed the music--and even single-handedly made his way into my heart for, no matter how many times I see this movie, I always cry.
It is a masterpiece, in the true sense of the word, and Chaplin was right in going ahead and making this a silent picture (despite pressures not to) for a good deal of magic would have been lost to sound.
Playing his much loved impoverished, though always holding onto to some sort of dignified air, the Tramp character (Chaplin) is comically mistakenly taken for a billionaire by a blind flower-girl (Virginia Cherrill) and he ultimately--not correcting her on his social class--takes up odd jobs in order to be her benefactor.
This all leads to one of the most moving scenes I've ever seen in film: The Tramp, having saved money so his beloved may have eye surgery, is released from jail (after a series of events, not knowing she can see), and is outside of her flower-shop window. Walking past, not seeing her, he leans down to get a flower from the gutter and is bothered by some passing youngsters.
The Tramp then sees her through the glass and tries to get away, perhaps ashamed of his own appearance compared to what she thought he was.
It is not until she has touched his hand, taking him a coin and a fresh flower that she realizes...


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD