Just saw the film last night on TCM (the sound version).
Very interesting to note the difference in pacing for silent gags and sound.
Most of the gags were only funny with the sound off. This is essentially a silent film with sound and dialog clumsily grafted on.
Also, I must agree that the lovable boy-next-door character audiences had come to expect shows up as a bully and low-life due, primarily, to his abusive and rough comments.
Contrasting, TCM also screened Buster's first sound offering - "free and easy". Clearly MGM and Buster had mastered the uses of sound - and how to pace a sound comedy. This film, unlike Harold's, was meant to be a talkie. (on the other hand, in a number of scenes, Buster appears a little drunk).
I look forward to seeing the silent version of this film.
Very interesting to note the difference in pacing for silent gags and sound.
Most of the gags were only funny with the sound off. This is essentially a silent film with sound and dialog clumsily grafted on.
Also, I must agree that the lovable boy-next-door character audiences had come to expect shows up as a bully and low-life due, primarily, to his abusive and rough comments.
Contrasting, TCM also screened Buster's first sound offering - "free and easy". Clearly MGM and Buster had mastered the uses of sound - and how to pace a sound comedy. This film, unlike Harold's, was meant to be a talkie. (on the other hand, in a number of scenes, Buster appears a little drunk).
I look forward to seeing the silent version of this film.