MovieChat Forums > City Lights (1931) Discussion > Question about the timeline in the film....

Question about the timeline in the film... (possible spoilers)

posted 10 years ago by ANDREWEHUNT
4 replies | jump to latest

I adore the film City Lights, but I have a question about the timeline in the film. Maybe one of you can help me. I'm wondering if there was a plot hole in the film, or if I missed something. I've seen City Lights a few times, but I can't figure this one out and I'd love to hear someone else's take on it. Warning: Spoilers follow.

OK - here's the thing: The Blind Girl and her Grandmother receive that letter threatening to evict them the next day if they don't come up with the $22 (or so) for their rent. After the scene where the Tramp promises the Blind Girl that he'll cover the rent, the Tramp is fired from his job as a street sweeper and then he gets caught in the ill-fated boxing match. Time passes and the Millionaire comes back from Europe and reunites with the Tramp. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the telegram from the landlord say that he would evict the Blind Girl and her Grandmother if the $22+ in rent was not paid by the next day? So my question is: What happened that obviously bought time for Grandma and the Blind Girl with the landlord? Obviously, the Tramp didn't come through with money from the street sweeping job because he was fired from it. The boxing gig fell flat. And I presume that time passed between the Millionaire leaving to and coming back from Europe. Are we supposed to assume the Blind Girl and her Grandmother came up with the rent money on their own? Did the movie explain that part? Did I miss something?

[–] jamasian_man 10 years ago

The Tramp said he would be able to pay the next day. Assuming the landlord would accept the money the following day, and they got the letter that day, then the Tramp has been doing this all night.

The tramp leaves on some sort of lunch break after he has the gag with the co-worker, and then he finds out about the rent being due. He does back after lunch, but he's late and promptly fired.

Then he tries the boxing match, and fails at that. It says that night falls, and he keeps going out to try and find another source of money, and he gets mixed up with the rich guy again and is blamed for the crime.

The tramp gives her the money by the morning, and soon after is arrested. Most likely he was out all night doing all this, while she was waiting.

[–] JacintoCupboard 10 years ago

Spoilers for a film made in 1931? Seriously? If people come onto the boards of a long established film, the notion that they ought to be protected from knowing the film's content is absurd.

I appreciate the OP's sensitivity, but protecting stupid people from their own choices just makes the world a dumber place.

[–] zcid47 10 years ago

I appreciate the OP's sensitivity, but protecting stupid people from their own choices just makes the world a dumber place.

wtf! 
.

[–] bookstore451 9 years ago

A significant amount of time passes between the millionaire leaving for Europe and the eviction notice. The Tramp has been visiting the girl regularly during this time, while he's been working as a street sweeper.