This in-depth analysis of Charlie Chaplin's greatest film, "City Lights," brings new appreciation to this great American film. As in his previous book on Chaplin,Chaplin and American Culture, Maland renews and deepens my appeciation of Chaplin and his films. I have recently completed teaching an 8-week course on Chaplin: The man, his art, his times, at a university here in St. Louis. If I had had "City Lights" by Maland, I believe we could have spent the entire 8 weeks on this one movie. This book covers the entire story, beginning before the camera ever rolled, to the recording of the music track. As usual, he places Chaplin's art against the background of American culture, a historical context which sheds light on what Chaplin accomplished. If you're interested in Charlie, his films, his art, or just think "City Lights" is a wonderful film, this is a book you must have. One suggestion: watch the movie first, then read the book, then watch the movie again.