City Lights Charlie Chaplin

—chaplin explaining defiance against sound in 1930s

by time circus released, hollywood had witnessed introduction of sound films. chaplin cynical new medium , technical shortcomings presented, believing talkies lacked artistry of silent films. hesitant change formula had brought him such success, , feared giving tramp voice limit international appeal. he, therefore, rejected new hollywood craze , began work on new silent film. chaplin nonetheless anxious decision , remained throughout film s production.

city lights (1931), regarded 1 of chaplin s finest works

when filming began @ end of 1928, chaplin had been working on story year. city lights followed tramp s love blind flower girl (played virginia cherrill) , efforts raise money sight-saving operation. challenging production lasted 21 months, chaplin later confessing had worked himself neurotic state of wanting perfection . 1 advantage chaplin found in sound technology opportunity record musical score film, composed himself.

chaplin finished editing city lights in december 1930, time silent films anachronism. preview before unsuspecting public audience not success, showing press produced positive reviews. 1 journalist wrote, nobody in world charlie chaplin have done it. person has peculiar called audience appeal in sufficient quality defy popular penchant movies talk. given general release in january 1931, city lights proved popular , financial success – grossing on $3 million. british film institute cites chaplin s finest accomplishment, , critic james agee hails closing scene greatest piece of acting , highest moment in movies . city lights became chaplin s personal favourite of films , remained throughout life.