I must admit I am a sucker for Charley Chase's short silent comedies. They combine full, three-act stories, fine acting and strong comedy gags that arise out of believable situations. The modern movie goer, used to witty dialogue and color photography -- well, color photography anyway -- may lack the patience to penetrate into the subtleties of silent film acting and a camera that looks at the people instead of indulging in jumpy MTV-style cutting techniques, but Charley Chase cuts right through that. How can you not enjoy a comedy in which a man sets fire to his hat and falls in love in a rainstorm?
Charley is willing to do anything to his character to get a laugh and the girl, but he remains believable and sympathetic throughout. This comedy, although not from his best period, is still crammed full of amusing gags.
This is probably not the movie to use to introduce people to Mr. Chase -- he is better served in silent efforts like LOOKING FOR SALLY and MIGHTY LIKE A MOOSE and sound efforts like THE PIP FROM PITTSBURGH. But once you've got the habit, you'll enjoy this one too.
Charley is willing to do anything to his character to get a laugh and the girl, but he remains believable and sympathetic throughout. This comedy, although not from his best period, is still crammed full of amusing gags.
This is probably not the movie to use to introduce people to Mr. Chase -- he is better served in silent efforts like LOOKING FOR SALLY and MIGHTY LIKE A MOOSE and sound efforts like THE PIP FROM PITTSBURGH. But once you've got the habit, you'll enjoy this one too.