Making (of) a Scene
Where do you start analyzing this priceless gem (from City Lights, 1931)? It would take an eternity to
break down the mastery of this scene. Lasting only a few minutes. No words. A
million emotions. Brilliantly staged and emoted. Ending in a simple, satisfied
smile.
Setup: A down-and-out but hopeful tramp meets a beautiful, blind flower girl on
the streets, who mistakes him for a wealthy man. Having fallen in love with her
and learning she and her grandmother are being evicted from her home, he
undergoes a series of attempts to save her from her financial woes and restore
her sight with a fantastic, new cure.
All his former attempts failing miserably, he saves a drunken millionaire
attempting suicide, who rewards him handsomely. The tramp gives the money to
the girl but he is accused of robbing the now-sober millionaire, who doesn't
recognize him. He is thrown in jail and eventually set free.
0:00 - The tramp is back on the harsh, unforgiving streets.
0:16 - He is abused by street punks, the butt of their cruel mockery.
1:03 - The beautiful owner of a flower shop spots the tramp, amused.
1:10 - He is oblivious to her onlooking.
1:30 - He turns and NOTICES the beautiful owner from outside,
1:32 - slowly RECOGNIZES the blind girl he tried to save,
1:34 - is STUNNED at seeing her again,
1:36 - then ELATED, her sight obviously restored.
1:39 - She is TICKLED that the tramp has fallen for her,
1:40 - even remarking, "I've made a conquest!"
1:47 - He is GIDDY at the sight of her again, ADMIRING her,
1:49 - the flower in his hand unknowingly being de-petaled.
1:53 - She alerts him to his flower's demise,
1:58 - and mercifully offers him another from her shop.
2:01 - He ADORES her from the safely of outside.
2:09 - She offers a flower again and even some charity.
2:18 - As she get us to give them to him, he FEARFULLY flees.
2:21 - She catches him outside and offers him a flower again.
2:23 - He stops and FACES her, CAUTIOUS but drawn to her.
2:29 - She offers him the flower again and he SMILES.
2:36 - He slowly and HAPPILY takes the flower from her.
2:39 - She offers a coin, walks over to him, and gives it to him.
2:46 - As she grabs his hand and speaks to him,
2:4? - she slowly RECOGNIZES him by touch,
2:58 - touching his shoulder and knowing he is her benefactor.
3:01 - NERVOUSLY, finger in mouth, he watches her reaction.
3:06 - She grabs her face, asking, "You?"
3:10 - He slowly and SHYLY nods affirmatively, still NERVOUS.
3:17 - He inquires, "You can see now?"
3:25 - She confirms thankfully, deeply MOVED and in SHOCK.
3:38 - She takes his hand, putting it to her chest in deep GRATITUDE.
3:41 - He smiles back, beaming shyly, HAPPY for her.
Personal. Powerful. Redeeming. Wonderful. Genius.
