A lovable tramp who falls in love with a blind flower seller and goes to great lengths to help her. Slapstick, charming misunderstandings, and tender moments unfold alongside glimpses of bustling city life, all without a single spoken word. Charlie Chaplin wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the film at a time when sound films had already taken over the market. He deliberately chose to make it as a silent film, adding a synchronized musical score and carefully composed sound effects of his own. The production lasted several years and was unusually demanding. Although not a debut, City Lights fits perfectly in our Firsts series, showing how an established filmmaker can take risks and explore new approaches. Chaplin’s blend of physical comedy and quiet pathos, along with his mastery of visual rhythm and timing, is on full display. The combination of humor and empathy makes the film a timeless classic that continues to move and inspire.

Print from the collection of Kino im Blauen Salon (HfG KA)