"Aesthetically, technologically, and culturally, City Lights is a key transitional film in Chaplin's body of work, as the director/writer/actor responded for the first time to sound films and stepped in the direction of the social commentary that would become more overt in Modern Times (1936) and The Great Dictator (1940). Based on extensive archival research of Chaplin's production records, Charles Maland's City Lights offers a careful history of the film's production and reception, as well as a close examination of the film itself, with special attention to the sources of the final scene's emotional power."--Jacket.
The ending -- Chaplin's Hollywood roots -- Three preceding features -- Divorce and tax problems -- Hannah -- The challenge of the talkies -- Refining a story -- The production record in perspective -- A troubled production : to November 1929 -- The production clarifies : from November 1929 -- Chaplin, the Jazz age, and submerged autobiography -- The narrative structure -- The opening scenes : a closer look -- Contrasting moral universes -- Final sequence : part one -- Final sequence : the heartbreaking ending -- Release and reception -- The legacy of City Lights.