''City Lights'', 1931 - art by Dolly Rudeman
by Movie World Posters
Title
''City Lights'', 1931 - art by Dolly Rudeman
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage Dutch movie poster of ''City Lights'', classic silent romantic comedy film released in 1931, directed by and starring the legendary Charlie Chaplin. It is often considered one of Chaplin's greatest works and one of the most influential films in the history of cinema. Despite being released at a time when talkies (films with synchronized sound) were becoming popular, Chaplin chose to make "City Lights" as a silent film, with a musical score and sound effects but no spoken dialogue.
The story revolves around the iconic character of the Tramp, played by Chaplin, who is a lovable and endearing vagabond with a distinctive bowler hat and a toothbrush mustache. In the film, the Tramp falls in love with a blind flower girl, portrayed by Virginia Cherrill, who is struggling to make ends meet by selling flowers on the street. The Tramp, driven by his affection for the girl, goes to great lengths to help her, including taking on various odd jobs and even befriending a wealthy alcoholic played by Harry Myers.
The film combines slapstick comedy with heartwarming moments and social commentary. Chaplin's physical comedy skills are on full display as he navigates a series of humorous and often precarious situations. At the same time, "City Lights" explores themes of love, friendship, and the inherent dignity of individuals, regardless of their social or economic status.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film occurs when the Tramp participates in a boxing match to win money for the blind girl's operation. The comedic and emotionally charged climax of the film showcases Chaplin's ability to blend humor and pathos seamlessly.
"City Lights" is celebrated for its masterful storytelling, brilliant physical comedy, and the unforgettable performances by its cast, particularly Charlie Chaplin himself. The film's poignant and bittersweet ending is often regarded as one of the most moving moments in cinematic history.
Despite being a silent film released well into the sound era, "City Lights" received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. It remains a timeless classic and a testament to Charlie Chaplin's genius as a filmmaker and performer. Over the years, it has continued to be cherished by audiences and is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the history of cinema.
About the artist:
Dolly Rudeman (1902-1980) was a Dutch graphic designer and the only woman in the Netherlands to design film posters in the 1920s. She produced posters for many famous directors and film stars, including Sergei Eisenstein, Charlie Chaplin, and Greta Garbo.
Rudeman is the queen of movie poster design of the 1920s, the only woman in a male-dominated world. The Dutch artist offered the public infinite shades of femininity through the faces and glances of great actresses. In her artworks, there is no longer merely the sensual beauty highlighted by her other illustrious colleagues, but also the strength, the icy and melancholic gaze, the rebellious and determined attitude of the women of her era.
Her style is bold, austere, almost futuristic. She uses geometric shapes and a black and decisive stroke. The color palette is limited to red backgrounds, white, with female faces in the foreground. Looking at her movie posters, it seems to be in front of the Art Deco work of the painter Tamara de Lempicka, for the same clear use of lines and bright colors. In the art of Dolly Rudeman, there is the reflection of all the modernity of the 20s, the unconventionality of female emancipation at the dawn of time.
Rudeman was born in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) to Dutch parents. Her father died before she was born. Her mother took the family back to the Netherlands when Rudeman was a teenager.
Rudeman studied art at the Hague Drawing Institute after her move to the Netherlands. Then, starting in the 1920s, she worked for the Netherlands Cinema Trust. Her poster for Charlie Chaplin's film, The Circus, became the first to win the Dutch government's official seal of approval. By 1932, she had designed more than 150 posters and 70 programs.
Rudeman learned to work quickly on her poster art, typically producing two or three posters per week. Unfortunately, she seldom had time to see the films she illustrated since her posters needed to be displayed before the movie appeared in theaters. However, she was able to create artwork using a selection of photos of the stars and a script of the scene to be illustrated.
In the early 1930s, she produced special assignments and exhibited as a solo artist and in group shows. She expanded her career in design but, concerned about her financial security as an artist, began designing film posters.
Rudeman's work impacted the national press. She became known for her bold, futuristic style, both austere and dynamic. Her employers and the public alike appreciated her work, considering it in tune with the modernity of the 1920s. Her work was recognized for having at least three main identifying features: good taste, a feel for color, and originality.
Unfortunately, work became scarce during the Second World War. With minimal income, she nonetheless was able to aid Jews hiding during the Nazi occupation. After the war ended in 1945, she returned to designing posters.
In the 1950s, she expanded into other design forms such as postcards, chocolate boxes, and ceramics. However, she never regained her pre-war fame and died in relative obscurity in Amsterdam in 1980. As a result, most of her work is lost, save for tracings of some 120 posters dating from 1926 to 1935.
Search "Rudeman" to see her other art.
Uploaded
January 24th, 2022
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