City Lights poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Harry Myers, Allan Garcia, Hank Mann ... see more see more... , Florence Lee , Henry Bergman , James Donnelly , Jean Harlow , John Rand , Stanhope Wheatcroft , Albert Austin , Robert Parrish , Eddie Baker , Jack Sutherland , Al Ernest Garcia

Charles Chaplin was deep into production of his silent City Lights when Hollywood was overwhelmed by the talkie revolution. After months of anguished contemplation, Chaplin decided to finish the film ... read more read more...as it began--in silence, save for a musical score and an occasional sound effect. Once again cast as the Little Tramp, Chaplin makes the acquaintance of a blind flower girl (Virginia Cherrill), who through a series of coincidences has gotten the impression that the shabby tramp is a millionaire. A second storyline begins when the tramp rescues a genuine millionaire (Harry Myers) from committing suicide. When drunk, the millionaire expansively treats the tramp as a friend and equal; when sober, he doesn't even recognize him. The two plots come together when the tramp attempts to raise enough money for the blind girl to have an eye operation. Highlights include an extended boxing sequence pitting scrawny Chaplin against muscle-bound Hank Mann, and the poignant final scene in which the now-sighted flower girl sees her impoverished benefactor for the first time. Chaplin's decision to release the silent City Lights three years into the talkie era was partially vindicated when more than one critic singled out this "comedy in pantomime" as the best picture of 1931. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

94% liked it

23,921 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

41 critics

G, 1 hr. 30 min.

Directed by: Charles Chaplin

Release Date: January 1, 1931

Keywords: silent

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: February 8, 2000

Stats: 1,711 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

'City Lights' City Lights 'City Lights' 'City Lights' Caricature by Al Hirschfeld The Tramp City Lights City Lights City Lights Campaign Book
Upload a Photo | View All City Lights Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (1,711)

  • fb1038944442
    December 16, 2011
    fb1038944442
    City Lights is the highest form of cinema art, it's perfect and works on every level to which Chaplin aspired: the comic, the dramatic, the asethetic and the profound. I screened it with two pre-teens and they were rapt, so the fact that it's silent, black and white and has weir... read mored old costumes and cars was not a deterrent for their enjoying this masterpiece. It's a film that never leaves the consciousness once it's been seen.

    The story is an elemental fairy tale, a little tramp falls in love with a blind flower girl and becomes her guardian angel, and give up what little he has to save her and get her an operation. Somehow, when handled by Charlie, we buy in to this over the top melodrama, because of total commitment and honesty and superb execution, that holds back just enough to not wallow in bathos.

    Watch for the balletic comedic set pieces, every deft move rehearsed by Chaplin and his supporting cast to perfection, yet all looking spontaneous. Watch for this film dealing honestly with human cruelty, (poverty, violence, class wars) but showing the goodness and kindness we all have latent in ourselves.

    Most of all, watch for the most emotionally wrenching last scene ever shot, done simply with close ups of Chaplin and his costar Virgina Cherril as the Blind Girl. As one of the reviewer has already stated below, you'd have to be dead inside to not be moved. 2011's The Artist was a terrific acheivement at recreating silent film, but if you want to experience what silent film can truly acheive, take out City Lights. Interestingly, CIty Lights, like the story of The Artist, was made during the talkie era of 1931 and no one missed sound at all.
  • fb1341085175
    October 20, 2011
    fb1341085175
    Chaplin could be as much of a mass manipulator in America as Leni Riefenstahl was in Germany - while his constant themes underlying the struggle of the have-nots under the tyrannical hands of the haves can be a bit too dualistically black and white, there's no denying that he kne... read morew how to make each member in the audience sympathize with the Little Tramp's misfortunes and misadventures. Here he is at his most effective at pulling the audience's heartstrings, and while the comic timing is a little off sometimes (the boxing sequence does go on more than it should), this remains one of those iconic cinematic gems whose payoff makes even the most cynical moviegoer fall for its sentimental trap.
  • jamers2011
    May 11, 2011
    jamers2011
    A wonderful, classic film of the silent film era. Charlie Chaplin is nothing short of amazing here; he truly is a brilliant comedic performer. He delivers a hilarious and fantastic performance as The Tramp. Virginia Cherrill is also great as The Blind Girl, and she's adorable. Th... read moreis film is funny, sweet, cute, and a classic. I recommend it!
  • StarCrossedVoyager
    May 11, 2011
    StarCrossedVoyager
    A cute little film which was fairly funny but obviously not of my time. I admire Chaplin for sticking with his "silent" films and I do believe this is a better movie for it. He did what he knew best. I couldn't make out at the end if she was still interested in him or not.
  • cancercapricorn2002
    April 22, 2011
    cancercapricorn2002
    City Lights is probably one of the most well loved, along with Modern Times, Chaplin movies. The iconic and everlasting character of The Tramp, one of the most lovable, truly human and sympathetic characters perhaps of all time. Sometimes there is some hate towards tramps, like t... read morehey are labeled lazy and troublesome. It is very hard to hate The Tramp, because he gives so much when he has so little. He spends his time and money giving to people - whether it be saying a millionaires life or buying a flower from a blind girl. Undoubtedly, we all have a little bit of The Tramp in us.

    The plot is as follows: the Tramp meets and falls in love with a blind girl who sells flowers on the street. She is poor and by a mere coincidence, believes that The Tramp is rich. He also saves a drunken millionaire from suicide, and despite his gratefulness, doesn't remember the poor tramp unless he is drunk.

    City Lights is no doubt a magnificent feat in motion picture history. It's poignant view of the world and society leaves you laughing and crying at the same time. Some believe this should really be called a drama instead of a comedy. I believe it is a strong mixture of both, and a great balance of the two. Both comedic and touching, City Lights should not be missed by anyone.
  • fb619846742
    October 19, 2010
    fb619846742
    An undeniable classic which ranks amongst one of the best films ever made. It's funny, fast-moving, tragic, and ultimately moving, with an endearing lead character to boot. The Tramp is an unforgettable character, someone who stumbles in to riches then is thrown out on the street... read mores, a figure who definitely doesn't fit in the world he lives in, but in the end, you care for him, just because how simply sweet and sacrificing he is. Charlie Chaplin couldn't have made this film any better, each scene is pitch-perfect and the way in which the humor is grasped by this master of comedy is really a treat to watch. The last scene is something else, nearly tear-jerking - it's just full of sheer beauty.
  • shortcartoonist
    September 19, 2010
    shortcartoonist
    Through City Lights, Chaplin captures a raw essence of emotion, harnessing the core nature of joy, excitement, and love. The film is a transcendental exploraton of a unique individual connection between two people in a big city that is accessible for a current generation as the o... read morenes prior. Its naive tone makes for a sweet, thoroughly touching picture that brightens any mood and acts as a staple film for all to feel.
  • FrizzDrop
    July 13, 2010
    FrizzDrop
    Still funny after 79 years. Go Chaplin Go!
  • DrZeek
    May 26, 2010
    DrZeek
    The Tramp: Be careful how you're driving.
    Eccentric Millionaire: Am I driving?

    A big deal to produce, seeing as how Chaplin opted to make this film after the "talkies" had been introduced, however it seems to have been worthwhile, because this is a fun, funny, and sweet movie.
    ... read more
    Chaplin's character, this time, is faced with a new challenge - love. While going through his usual antics on the streets of the big city, the Tramp falls in love with a blind girl who sells flowers. She believes him to be a wealthy man and the Tramp does all he can to help her, including his attempts to help pay her rent. With some help from his friend, a millionaire who only recognizes the Tramp when he is drunk, he may have good fortune in the end.

    The film is of course staged to make the best of Chaplin's comedic abilities in the realm of physical comedy, and he of course excels. There are a number of standout sequences, which all make the film worthwhile.
  • sanjurosamurai
    December 2, 2008
    sanjurosamurai
    often considered the greatest film by the legendary charlie chaplin, city lights is a beautiful love story with tons of charm. although it drags a bit at the start, the story picks up and gets better and better as time goes on, providing a poetic ending with a bit of a twist. n... read moreo one can deny chaplins genius, and this film is a great display of some of his most witty comedy. an all time classic.

View All City Lights Reviews

Critic Reviews

Mark Bourne
March 4, 2008
Mark Bourne, Film.com

That final scene. Last week, CNN asked -- in "The Screening Room's Top 10 Romantic Moments" -- whether this was the most touching film moment of all time. Could be. Either way, if it doesn't move you,... Full Review

Michael Phillips
January 4, 2008
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

With its themes of selflessness and grace, as well as its graceful intertwining of comedy and pathos, this is a fine time for a revisit. Full Review

Andrew Sarris
December 19, 2007
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer

Is this film still funny after 76 years? I think and hope it is. Full Review

Sid Silverman
June 27, 2007
Sid Silverman, Variety

The British comic is still the consummate pantomimist, unquestionably one of the greatest the stage or screen has ever known. Full Review

Dave Kehr
June 27, 2007
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

A beautiful example of Chaplin's ability to turn narrative fragments into emotional wholes. The two halves of the film are sentiment and slapstick. They are not blended but woven into a pattern as ecc... Full Review

Mordaunt Hall
January 28, 2006
Mordaunt Hall, New York Times

A film worked out with admirable artistry.

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Contains some of Chaplin's great comic sequences. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

It's an altogether wonderful gem, and one of the five best films the silent era has to offer. Full Review

Blake Howard
April 28, 2012
Blake Howard, 2UE That Movie Show

City Lights gets to the heart of the Tramp. It is a beautiful romance about loving someone for who they are and not their social or economic status - and it features one of the most tear inducing and ... Full Review

Scott G. Mignola
January 2, 2011
Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media

A screen gem. Youngsters and up. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • The Artist
    The Artist (98%)
  • Limelight
    Limelight (92%)
  • Modern Times
    Modern Times (91%)
  • Spite Marriage
    Spite Marriage (50%)

More Movies like City Lights

Facts

No facts approved yet. Be the first

City Lights : Watch Free on TV

City Lights Trivia

  • **** In What Movie Was This Song*************** *******************Played********************** ***************Pump Up The Volume**************  Answer »
  • Which two actors appeared in Bright Lights Big City together?   Answer »
  • Who directed "The Gold Rush", "City Lights", "The Kid", "The Circus", "Limelight" and "A Woman of Paris"?  Answer »
  • Which Actor was not in "Bright Lights, Big City?"  Answer »
More City Lights Trivia

Movie Quizzes

No quizzes for City Lights. Want to create one?

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All City Lights Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add City Lights to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?