Wednesday, April 21, 2010

A Little Flower Goes a Long Way

This is one of my favorite films, and Charlie Chaplin is one of my favorite actors/directors ever. I went through a huge silent movie phase with my friend Linda and I at the library desk looking at all the old picture books from the 1920's, going on and on about how much we loved little Charlie Chaplin.

This clip is from City Lights, and is one of the most touching endings ever filmed. You have to understand, she—Virginia—was blind through most of the movie, and he—the little vagabond—would come around and do nice things for her. She fell in love with him, never knowing he was penniless tramp. He found a way to give her enough money for the surgery which would restore her vision, all the while knowing it would mean she would be able to see him and then romance over.

Sacrifice.

She now has her vision, and does not know the funny little tramp is the man she was in love with. But when she touches his hand, it all reveals itself. I always cry. The depth of her expression; the gift he gave her—a true gift. You'll see.





6 comments:

  1. I've never watched silent films however I think it's really neat and maybe I should try one!!!

    Love this clip, I can see why you would cry everytime, the emotion and her expression is forever... Amazing!!!

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  2. There are so many too. It's a whole world to devour. TCM has one on every Sunday night, late.

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  3. I love Charlie Chaplin - he's absolutely brilliant. Thanks for sharing, Amy!

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  4. In about 66/67 I was offered a small part in a Chaplin directed film called A Countess from Hong Kong. The part even had a short 'line'. Unfortunately I was unable to do it, so missed out on meeting the great man. I might also have met Brando, Loren, Tippi Hedren, and the wonderful Margaret Rutherford. C'est la vie.

    Bisou, Cro.

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  5. Ahhhh! That's awesome! And sad. Okay, I don't remember that movie for some reason, so perhaps you shouldn't feel so bad, haha. And look at the beautiful life you have from your own hands, despite the missed opportunity . . .

    Cool story to tell at parties though : )

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