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This is one of my favourite early comedies starring Douglas Fairbanks, mostly, I think, because it wastes no time in getting to the action, which is within the construction of a journey/adventure plot. And, the action is fast paced without appearing choppy, as was the case of many early silent films. (Keystone slapstick comedies were often at fault there, but also were some of Fairbanks' other vehicles, as well as many other films due in part to editing handicaps back then.) In the opening sequence, we're introduced to the loony voyage that is a couple running off to elope and the ensuing chase as her father and his preferred suitor try to stop them. The rest is comedic mayhem and plenty of opportunities for Doug to show off his athleticism, pep, and smile.'The Matrimaniac' is another of Fairbanks' several collaborations with scenarist and title writer Anita Loos, who provides him with a tight, humorous, no-exposition, no-filler romp this outing. A new addition is Constance Talmadge as the leading lady, fresh off her career-making turn as the ingénue Mountain Girl in D.W. Griffith's 'Intolerance'. Unfortunately, Fairbanks and Talmadge never teamed up again, probably because of the Hollywood standard practice back then of one star to a picture; both stars were top comedians in their day—starring in feature-length comedies while the supposedly less-refined clowns and Keystone-types were stuck making short films. Although Talmadge is mostly overshadowed by Fairbanks here, she does more with and gives her comedic touch to the usually rather thankless role of Doug's leading lady.
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