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HELEN KELLER MEETS CHARLES CHAPLIN
Helen Keller, one of the most
truly remarkable women in American History, was born June
27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama.
From birth, Helen was deaf and blind.
Through the perseverance of another remarkable woman, Annie Sullivan, who became Helen’s governess and teacher, Helen was able to break through her handicaps and join the world. She did so on her own terms. She mastered the world.
Helen met actor, writer, director and film producer Charles Chaplin in 1919, on the set of Chaplin’s film “Sunnyside.” The photo below is of their meeting. Helen touches Charles’ face to both picture him, and to understand his speaking by feeling his lips.
Charles Chaplin and Helen Keller became dear friends.
Chaplin is likely the most important figure in American film history. Even today, his movies captivate audiences worldwide on account of their powerful and poignant stories, and Chaplin’s ability to make people laugh in spite of themselves.
In 1928, as the silent movie era in which Chaplin had thrived was being overtaken by sound, Chaplin began working on the screenplay for a new project titled “City Lights.” He was determined that despite changing technology, that “City Lights” would be a silent picture.
Two of the things Chaplin believed in: The power of STORY, and the importance of VISUAL INFORMATION. He was convinced that these two things would carry his film far better than sound could ever manage.
Chaplin was right.
It is my belief that “City Lights” germinated in his meeting Helen Keller in 1919.
“City Lights” is the story of people from two different worlds, who overcome barriers both of class and handicap. The main characters are a Blind Girl, portrayed by Virginia Cherrill; and a Tramp, portrayed by Charles Chaplin.
The film debuted in 1930, to largely critical acclaim. It endures today. “City Lights” is number 11 on a roll-call of “100 movies, 100 years” which was compiled from the recommendations of directors and producers during the early 2000s.
“City Lights” is a MUST-SEE film for all who would be screenwriters.
Without spoiling anything, I will tell you that the final sequence of this movie is, absolutely, the most stunning ever committed to film. But you must watch the entire movie to “get it,” of course.
By all means, experience this film.
You will learn. And you will understand.
Helen Keller passed away June 1, 1968 – less than a month prior to her 88th birthday.
Her life was full and rich. Her impact upon the world was enormous.
For more about Helen Keller, look her up on Wikipedia; and then do more digging. And see another classic film, “The Miracle Worker,” about Helen Keller’s early life.
From birth, Helen was deaf and blind.
Through the perseverance of another remarkable woman, Annie Sullivan, who became Helen’s governess and teacher, Helen was able to break through her handicaps and join the world. She did so on her own terms. She mastered the world.
Helen met actor, writer, director and film producer Charles Chaplin in 1919, on the set of Chaplin’s film “Sunnyside.” The photo below is of their meeting. Helen touches Charles’ face to both picture him, and to understand his speaking by feeling his lips.
Charles Chaplin and Helen Keller became dear friends.
Chaplin is likely the most important figure in American film history. Even today, his movies captivate audiences worldwide on account of their powerful and poignant stories, and Chaplin’s ability to make people laugh in spite of themselves.
In 1928, as the silent movie era in which Chaplin had thrived was being overtaken by sound, Chaplin began working on the screenplay for a new project titled “City Lights.” He was determined that despite changing technology, that “City Lights” would be a silent picture.
Two of the things Chaplin believed in: The power of STORY, and the importance of VISUAL INFORMATION. He was convinced that these two things would carry his film far better than sound could ever manage.
Chaplin was right.
It is my belief that “City Lights” germinated in his meeting Helen Keller in 1919.
“City Lights” is the story of people from two different worlds, who overcome barriers both of class and handicap. The main characters are a Blind Girl, portrayed by Virginia Cherrill; and a Tramp, portrayed by Charles Chaplin.
The film debuted in 1930, to largely critical acclaim. It endures today. “City Lights” is number 11 on a roll-call of “100 movies, 100 years” which was compiled from the recommendations of directors and producers during the early 2000s.
“City Lights” is a MUST-SEE film for all who would be screenwriters.
Without spoiling anything, I will tell you that the final sequence of this movie is, absolutely, the most stunning ever committed to film. But you must watch the entire movie to “get it,” of course.
By all means, experience this film.
You will learn. And you will understand.
Helen Keller passed away June 1, 1968 – less than a month prior to her 88th birthday.
Her life was full and rich. Her impact upon the world was enormous.
For more about Helen Keller, look her up on Wikipedia; and then do more digging. And see another classic film, “The Miracle Worker,” about Helen Keller’s early life.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, August 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Starbucks off Lake Boone Trail.
