Charlie plays a prop saxophone on the set of A Woman Of Paris.
Some of you were surprised that Charlie played the saxophone during the radio broadcast I posted about earlier. I’m not sure how well he could play, but evidently Charlie himself used a saxophone, or saxophone mouthpiece, to represent the voices of the officials at the beginning of City Lights.
Charlie on the set of City Lights.
On the set of City Lights, 1929.
From left: Chaplin’s publicist Carlyle Robinson, studio manager Alfred Reeves, assistant director Henry Bergman (behind Chaplin), cameramen Mark Marlatt, Rollie Totheroh (with hat) & Morgan Hill (Edna Purviance’s nephew), Henry Clive, seated, originally played the millionaire but was later fired, assistant directer Harry Crocker, far right, was also fired during production.
City Lights (1931)
This film was part of TCM’s mini-marathon of Chaplin films this morning.
TCM (US) will be celebrating Charlie’s birthday bright and early Monday morning (April 16th). I guess I shouldn’t complain because at least they are acknowledging his birthday this year. It’s just too bad they are showing his films when most people are asleep or at work.
Here’s the schedule (times are EST):
6:00 AM: Pay Day (1922)
6:30 AM: The Kid (1921)
7:30 AM: A Woman Of Paris (1923)
9:00 AM: City Lights (1931)
“La Violetera” was not the only theme Chaplin used for the blind girl in City Lights. She had two subsidiary themes, including this violin caprice that was used for her more wistful moments, such as the scene where Virginia discovers her rent is overdue.
City Lights (1931)
Still from the nightclub scene in City Lights. Jean Harlow is at far left. She was hired to be an extra in this scene, but I’ve read that her appearance didn’t make the final cut of the film. I will also add that Jean apparently had a little fling with Charlie during filming.
City Lights (1931)
City Lights (1931)
“City Lights” by Lou Reed.
“Charlie Chaplin’s cane, well it flicked away the rain.”
Charlie with Ralph Barton and (I think) Millicent Hearst at the New York City premiere of City Lights, Feb. 6, 1931. Due to the large crowd awaiting his arrival, Chaplin and his party had to be escorted into the theater by the police.
Out-of-the-ordinary photos of Charlie Chaplin and other interesting tidbits.
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All images from Chaplin films made from 1918 onwards, Copyright © Roy Export S.A.S. Charles Chaplin and the Little Tramp are trademarks and/or service marks of Bubbles Inc. S.A. and/or Roy Export used with permission.
