The Little Tramp at 100: Centennial 35mm Screening of City Lights

The Southwest Alternate Media Project celebrates one of the most beloved talents ever seen on screen in The Little Tramp at 100: Centennial 35mm Screening of City Lights. Charlie Chaplin was responsible for dozens of landmark performances and innovations as both an actor and director in the early days of cinema, but his Little Tramp character is remembered with special fondness for his ability to eloquently mix tragedy and comedy.

In City Lights, which was released in 1931, the Little Tramp falls in love with a blind flower girl and takes on a variety of jobs in an effort to earn enough money for an operation that might restore her sight. He becomes a boxer, a street sweeper, even a rich poseur and eventually, the rescuer of a suicidal millionaire.

Also on the schedule is Kid Auto Races at Venice. Filmed exactly 100 years ago, the film marks Chaplin’s first ever screen appearance. Local filmmaker and DJ Stephanie Saint Sanchez has created an original soundtrack to accompany Auto Races.

7 p.m. Rice University, 6100 Main. For information, call 713-522-8592 or visit swamp.org. Free.

Mon., Sept. 22, 7 p.m., 2014