BEACHROAD VILLAGE HOMESCHOOL EXAMINATIONS

Text A
Great movie – ‘City Lights’
If only one of Charlie Chaplin's films could be preserved, his black-and-white silent classic ‘City
Lights’ (1931) should be it. ‘City Lights’ comes closest to representing the different aspects of
his genius, as a film-maker and actor. It contains the slapstick comedy*, the sadness and, of
course, The Little Tramp – the character played by Chaplin himself. At one time, The Little
Tramp was said to be the most famous image on earth.
When he made ‘City Lights’, Chaplin was aware of the growing popularity of films with dialogue;
he considered making a talkie but actually decided against it. Although the film has music and
sound effects, it has no speech.
Speech was not how The Little Tramp expressed himself. He interacts with the world mostly
through his actions, and is judged on his shabby appearance, which sets him apart. The Tramp
is an outcast, an onlooker, a loner. In ‘City Lights’, his only encounters are with people who
don't or can't see him: a millionaire who ignores him, and a blind flower girl.
That's what makes his relationship with the flower girl so heart-warming; does she accept and
treasure him only because she can't see what he looks like? The last scene of ‘City Lights’ is
deservedly famous as one of the great emotional moments in cinema history. The girl, whose
sight has been restored, sees him now for the first time – but smiles at him anyway. She gives
him a rose and some money, and accepts him for who he is.
Chaplin and other silent filmmakers were globally successful. Their films were shown
everywhere – language was no barrier. I witnessed the widespread appeal of Chaplin's art in
one of my most treasured experiences, as a movie-goer at the 1972 Venice film festival in Italy.
One night, the usually brightly lit St Mark’s Square in Venice was darkened, and ‘City Lights’ was
shown on a vast screen. The moment in the film that the flower girl recognises The Tramp, I
heard much snuffling and blowing of noses around me; there wasn't a dry eye in the square.
Then complete darkness fell, and a spotlight singled out a balcony overlooking the square. The
real-life Charlie Chaplin walked forward and bowed. I’ve never heard such cheering in my life.
There was a time when Chaplin was considered to be the greatest popular artist of the 20th
century, and his films were known to everyone. Having just viewed ‘City Lights’ again, I am still
under its spell. Chaplin's gift was truly magical.

*Glossary
slapstick comedy: a type of comedy where actors behave in silly ways, for instance by throwing
things at each other
 BEACHROAD VILLAGE HOMESCHOOL EXAMINATIONS

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Fame again.
Was this the world's first film star? According to new research, the very first film star was a
French slapstick comedian. Largely forgotten for decades, Max Linder was a handsome actor
from the early silent era. He not only starred in films but also directed, wrote and produced
them.
Dr Andrew Shail, a lecturer at Newcastle University, has identified the first time an actor was
used to promote a film. He discovered a poster for the French film, Le Petit Jeune Homme*.
Featuring Linder, it was released in Europe in September 1909. Linder was the first actor whose
name became more important than the character he was playing. ‘This makes Linder – as far as
we can tell – the first film star anywhere,’ says Shail. ‘The effects of the decision can still be
seen on posters and billboards around the world.’
Linder was born Gabriel-Maximilien Leuville in 1883 in France. He was drawn to the stage and
started working as an actor in 1901, before adopting the stage name Max Linder in 1905 –
which is when he is thought to have made his movie debut playing bit parts.
There is a story that the producer Charles Pathé saw Linder on stage and sent him this note: “In
your eyes lies a fortune. Come and act in front of my cameras, and I will help make it.” Linder
did indeed have beautiful, soulful eyes, and his comedy was more romantic than much
contemporary slapstick.
After becoming a star in Europe, Linder went to Hollywood, where he made a handful of films.
Linder was a major influence on Charlie Chaplin, who was arguably the biggest film star of all
time, making his own screen debut in 1914. In fact, Chaplin once sent Linder a signed
photograph addressed: “To Max, the Professor, from his disciple, Charlie Chaplin.”

*Glossary
Translation of Le Petit Jeune Homme: The Little Young Man