Movie #73- "City Lights" (1931)

"City Lights" is absolutely brilliant.  Charlie Chaplin is known around the world for his Little Tramp character, but I'm sure very few have seen his films.  I admit to falling into that group and it's a shame considering how much I truly appreciated this piece of work.
Chaplin was daring enough to release a silent movie when sound films had taken over the industry.  He didn't need the spoken word to convey his beautiful story of a penniless man finding love with a blind woman.  That is the tender, emotional side of the film, which is carefully balanced with the comedy aspect.  The side of the film finds Chaplin befriending a man of means who only enjoys the company of Chaplin when he's been drinking.  Sober, the wealthy man wants nothing to do with him.
As I've aged, my appreciation for physical comedy has dwindled.  I grew up watching the antics of the Three Stooges.  The main reason is that physical comedy is used as a lazy way to get laughs and often the set-up telegraphs the joke.  A pie, a ladder, a pool... all have their inevitable conclusion.  And that's what makes "City Lights" so magical.  This form of comedy becomes an art form, a carefully choreographed scene.  Sure, you see some of the jokes coming, but others simply surprise you.  One such brilliant scene features a fight in which Chaplin not only uses the referee to his advantage, but also a knockout sequence that will make you chuckle about the ending of "Rocky II".
Funny, touching, and sweet, "City Lights" is magnificent film.

Rating: 10/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 67