Canvas Textured Graphic Reproduction
The Little Tramp
Size: 24" x 36"
Choice of framed or unframed
Synopsis:
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 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
