straight borrowing of "La Violetera"'s theme. Among the most famous adaptations is the one by Charles Chaplin in his 1931 film City Lights. The main theme used as a leitmotif for the blind flower-seller is the song "La Violetera" ("Who’ll Buy my Violets"). Chaplin was unable to secure the song performer, Raquel Meller, in the lead role, but used the song melody anyway as a major theme. In 1934, Chaplin lost a lawsuit to Padilla (which took place in Paris, where Padilla then lived) for not crediting him. Some modern editions released for video include a new recording by Carl Davis. Depictions In 1966, a fountain commemorating singer Raquel Meller, portrayed as a violets seller, was unveiled in Barcelona. In 1991, a statue of a violets seller, named La Violetera, by sculptor Santiago de Santiago, commemorating composer José Padilla, was unveiled in Madrid. Since 2003, the statue is located at Las Vistillas gardens in Madrid. References External links La Violetera (song) at the Internet Archive History of 'La Violetera’ on spainisculture.com 1914 songs Spanish music Spanish songs Film music