|
 |
The only time we ever heard the Little Tramp's voice was in Modern Times (1936) when he sang a nonsense song in a cabaret. If you don't understand the lyrics, it's okay. Nobody does. They are a mishmash of words from several languages with a bit of jibberish thrown in. (Some film historians claim that Chaplin was trying to make the point that actions speak louder than words.) Nevertheless it is rather odd to hear sounds come from the mouth of the silent cinema's greatest star.
Tags:
Charlie
Chaplin
sings
Modern
Times
Added: 3rd October 2007
Views: 546
Rating: 
Posted By: Lava1964 |
 
|
 |
Posted by: Sophia on 2007-10-03
Thanks for posting this, the video is in great shape. I found some interesting facts about this I wanted to share with you.
Supposedly, it was to be Charlie's first full sound film, but instead, sound is used in a unique way: we hear spoken voices only when they come from mechanical devices, a symbol of the film's theme of technology and dehumanization. Specifically, voices are heard from: - The videophones used by the factory president - The phonographic Mechanical Salesman - The radio in the prison warden's office The singers in the restaurant are also heard, and some scenes include sound effects.
It marked the final appearance of Charlie Chaplin's Little Tramp character.
Chaplin allows the Tramp to speak on camera for the first time during the restaurant scene, but insisted that what the Tramp says be universal. Therefore, the song the Tramp sings is in gibberish (mostly Italian/French), but it is possible to follow the story he tells by watching his hand gestures.
Charlie Chaplin wrote all the music for this and all of his other films, and Modern Times contains his most enduring theme, Smile.
|
 |
I love hearing from Chaplin fans like you, Sophia. The multi-talented Chaplin was truly the greatest of them all.
|
Add A Comment
Sorry, guests can't post comments!
|
|
Browse Media