While not explicitly named, the film's setting features:
* The iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame: The Tramp character, the film's protagonist, walks along a street lined with stars in the sidewalk, a clear reference to the Walk of Fame.
* A bustling cityscape: The film showcases grand skyscrapers, crowded streets, and vibrant nightlife, evoking the grandeur and energy of 1930s Los Angeles.
* A contrast between wealth and poverty: The film depicts the sharp divide between the lavish lifestyles of the city's elite and the struggles of the working class, mirroring the socioeconomic realities of the era.
* A flower girl: The film features a blind flower girl, a common sight in the bustling streets of Los Angeles during that time.
Although the film is set in Los Angeles, the setting is also symbolic and universal:
* The City as a Place of Dreams: Los Angeles was known as the City of Angels, attracting hopeful individuals seeking fame and fortune. The film captures this aspiration for a better life, but also the harsh realities of poverty and struggle.
* The City as a Place of Loneliness: The Tramp character experiences the city's loneliness and isolation, highlighting the emotional cost of pursuing dreams.
Ultimately, City Lights is a timeless story of hope and perseverance, set against the backdrop of a bustling, yet isolating, urban landscape. While the film is set in 1930s Los Angeles, its themes resonate with audiences across time and location.