City Lights (Dir. Charles Chaplin, 1930) American silent romantic comedy film written by, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin even as talkies were in the ascendancy. The story follows the misadventures of Chaplin’s Tramp as he falls in love with a blind girl (Virginia Cherrill) and develops a turbulent friendship with an alcoholic millionaire (Harry Myers).The Tramp becomes enamoured with a beautiful blind flower seller. He resolves to support her and her grandmother against eviction using a ambivalent friendship he develops with a drunken millionaire from who he borrows money. Here he reads out a notice about a Viennese doctor who can cure blindness. Later when Charlie is released from prison Cherrill’s character can see and has a flower shop. Fearing rejection Charlie waddles off, but the girl recognises his hand and embraces him. Like the Light that Came and many other films impairment can only be coped with if a cure allows a happy ending.
14 November – 20 December 2024