CHAPLIN'S GREAT NEW FILM

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 12, 5 September 1931, Page 5

CHAPLIN'S GREAT NEW FILM

"CITY LIGHTS" COMEDIAN DEFIES MOVIE TREND IN MAKING SILENT PICTURES ' THINKS IT HIS BEST Having decided that he considers the talking picture an inferior medium of screen entertainment to the silent motion picture production, Charlie Chaplin -hacks his opinion with the presentation of "City Lights," a romantic comedy photo-play soon to be shown at the Majestic Theatre, which is synchronised with music and sound effects. At no time is the human voice heard in "City Lights." It is the comedian-producers' contention that dialogue limits the field of expression and being primarily a pantomime artist, he regards silence as the best medium for him and the character he portrays.' Chaplin adds that he is not being prejudiced in the stand he has taken but that he i§ merely carrying on in what he believes a superior art form. "City Lights" is heralded as Chaplin's supreme effort. Of considerable significance are the facts that reveal that Chaplin expended £300,000 of his own money and close to three years of his time in the making of this photo-play. From sources close to Chaplin it is learned that the comedian's enthusiasm over "City Lights" is greated than he has ever before evinced. it is beljeved that this production will pave tlie way for more non-dialogue pictures and start renewed activity in studios as well as in theatres. Chaplin's film is the first of any importance to come out of Hollywood in close to three years, in silent form. All through the making of "City Lights" Chaplin has been submerged by correspondence from every portion of the world lauding him for his stand against talking pictures. From individuals and organisations representing the deaf, the comedian has had several hundred thousand letters. alone, praising him for his loyalty to pantomime. There is no attempt at spectacle in "City Lights." Only three vital characters are introduced but around them has been woven a powerful story of human sacrifice; delightful romance and rollicking comedy. There is not the eternal triangle and the love theme is spiritual and not hordering on sex.

As in all previous Chaplin pr'oductions the comedian is also responsible for the direction and the star portrayal. He was likewise the author of "City Lights," which is an original idea with its locale in any large city, anywhere, Chaplin presents himself in hjs world famous trarrfp character and he is the central figure in the turmoil of the city. A blind flower girl is the second of importance and brings to the screen for the first time Virginia Cherrill, who, until assigned the leading feminine part in the picture was a Chicago- society girl. The other of the trio is an eccentric millionaire, portrayed by Harry Myers.Important to the telling of the story is the flower vendor grandmotlier, enacted by Florence Lee; the eccentric millionaire's butler, Allan Garcia, and a prize-fighter, Hank Mann. With the city as a background thousands of Hollywood players rub elbows such as is the case with multitudes of any community. Although there is not a spoken word from the beginning to the end of "City Lights," the production is completely synchronised with music and sound effects. In this respect, Chaplin adds another accomplishment to his versatility, introducing for the greater part entirely original music of his own creation, the arrangement

production "City Lights." It is believed that the genius of pantomime wilhachieve a success, which will at a single gesture overthrow the tradition that pictures simply must talk. of which is credited to Arthur Johnston. Many are of the opinion that i Chaplin will write history with his