I will always contend that movie audiences had to be a lot smarter in the days before sound. First off, you had to be able to read the title cards. Second, you had to be much more in tune with looks, nuances, and the emotions conveyed by the actors' facial expressions.
Turner Classic Movies, which should be given the Nobel Peace Prize for outstanding classic film presentation, frequently shows silent films. Now, unlike what most Americans do while watching TV, you can't go start dinner or sew or do a crossword puzzle while viewing a silent movie. You have to pay attention. Not an easy task for our society, which is comprised largely of undiagnosed ADD-inflicted folks.
This brings me to "City Lights," which is arguably Charlie Chaplin's greatest movie. And it may indeed be the poster child of the silent movie genre. Because so much depends on a minimum of words. It is all about people connecting. And not speaking. Ironically, I first was exposed to "City Lights" on a big screen. Some years back, Lehman College in the Bronx hosted a presentation of the film with a live orchestra accompaniment. As was the case with most of his film, Chaplin scored the whole picture, and the "City Lights" music was so remarkable that I immediately ran out to buy the CD soundtrack. You have to watch this film at least once to concentrate on the music alone. It is that sumptuous.
I've since gravitated back to "City Lights" countless times, always to focus on a different aspect of the movie. About twenty years ago, some guys in England did a documentary on Chaplin for the BBC. In it, there is an extended section that deals with the production of "City Lights," which was protracted to say the least. Ever the raging perfectionist, it took almost three years for Charlie to finish this 90 minute movie. At one point, he fires the lead actress and replaces her with another one. Then, after shooting extensively with the replacement, he bounces her and goes back to the original. You watch him rehearse very small pieces of comic business endlessly. A fascinating study of a genius.
The plot of "City Lights" has been repeated over and over. Chaplin, in the role of the legendary "Tramp," falls for a blind flower girl. He goes through a variety of jobs to pay anonymously for the operation will restore her vision. I'm including the ending here, but this spoiler should not prevent you from savoring the joys of the entire movie. In this scene, the girl, who can now see, slowly discovers who her benefactor was. It is one of the most significant film moments ever.
And you don't have to turn the sound on your computer to enjoy it. But, please do so for the music.
Dinner last night: Prime Rib at the Palm in New York City.
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