Charlie Chaplin’s silent classic “City Lights” opened to great success at a time when other films were “talking.” He knew his “Tramp” character was universal, and if this character spoke English, he would lose much of the European market.
To this day, Chaplin’s work is still appreciated in Europe and America, and the East Lynne Theater Company, with the Cape May Film Society, is offering an opportunity to see his early works on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May.
Titled “Charlie Chaplin Short” (1916), the films are “The Rink,” about an inept waiter who spends his lunch break at the roller rink (Chaplin did all of his own skating in this comedic tour-de-force); “The Pawnshop,” about a clerk who examines items to determine their value; and “One A.M.,” in which Chaplin, after drinking too much, discovers that every object he encounters becomes a humorous adversary. Accompanying the film on the organ is Wayne Zimmerman who has been providing live music for this Silent Film Series since it began in 2011.
Tickets are $15, and ages 12 and under are free. For reservations and information, call ELTC at 884-5898 or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org.
“Charlie Chaplin Shorts” is the final event for the Cape May Film Festival, which runs from Nov. 13-15. Those who purchase passes to all of the Festival events need not purchase a separate ticket for the silent film since it’s included in the pass. For information about the Festival, visit www.njstatefilmfestival.com.