One needs to watch but moments of any Harold Lloyd film to quickly gain an understanding of why his name is commonly mentioned in the same breath as other silent stars like Charlie Chapman or Buster Keaton. Like his contemporaries there are many stunts and action sequences in Lloyd's movies that catch one's attention. Just as much to the point, though, they are filled with splendid, brilliant writing and direction - unremitting wit and intelligence - that builds earnest comedy through situational humor, sight gags, clever intertitles, and touches of physical comedy on top. No less importantly, however, there's tremendous, gratifying heart coursing through Lloyd's body of work, a sincerity that deeply endears the titles to us. 'For heaven's sake' is keenly balanced in offering all these facets in turn, and as a result is another terrific, essential classic.
One could reasonably say Lloyd's pictures reflect simply entertainment for a simply time, and that's not entirely wrong. Good comedy never gets old, however, and even almost 100 years later this is an absolute delight. Everyone involved, on both sides of the camera, turn in incredible work to make this a fine, enchanting must-see. A review of all that is done well and deserving of praise is effectively a simple recitation of everything that goes into making movies: Sam Taylor's direction, Walter Lundin's cinematography, Allen McNeil's editing; the production design, costume design, hair and makeup and more. Lloyd himself is a luminary deserving of his lofty reputation; his "Glasses" character is fabulously adaptable to any scenario, and he has the physicality, range, and otherwise skills to help any feature pop with vitality. Jobyna Ralston, with her soft and soulful gaze and endless charm, is a great foil for Lloyd's more bombastic portrayals in all their collaborations together. And this is to say nothing of others in still smaller parts - the actors taking on roles of cops, drunkards, passers-by, and everyone and everything in between are just as swell in making 'For heaven's sake' wonderfully enjoyable from start to finish.
Given the title and the premise, and the particular standards of film censors early in the twentieth century, one may well assume that this picture could turn out to be intolerably preachy and high-minded. I'm very pleased to say, however, that this couldn't be further from the truth - though hints of religious beliefs and practices are sprinkled throughout the scene writing, dialogue (as imparted through intertitles), and narrative, it's all only in good taste to lend to the unerring amusement. In fact, any spiritual connotations are really more of a garnish, and the themes that really take focus on the iniquities of the wealthy, and the possibilities of anyone to better themselves. Swirl this together with comedy and storytelling that's as stupendously fun as it is undeniably smart and genuine, and what we end up with is a title that rather strikes me as required viewing for any and all.
There was a time when I had difficulty abiding silent films - I just couldn't "get" them - so I can understand the point of view when other folks say much the same. Nonetheless, the entertainment in 'For heaven's sake' is so unfailingly robust and solid that to be frank I think it completely defies any categorization or limits. As much as I love many older films, still this impresses as an instant favorite, and almost certainly one of the best movies I've ever seen. No matter who you are, I wholeheartedly believe 'For heaven's sake' demands and has earned the viewership of all comers - this is a movie that's worth far more than its 60 minutes, and if you need to go out of your way to see it, so be it! Highest possible recommendation!
One could reasonably say Lloyd's pictures reflect simply entertainment for a simply time, and that's not entirely wrong. Good comedy never gets old, however, and even almost 100 years later this is an absolute delight. Everyone involved, on both sides of the camera, turn in incredible work to make this a fine, enchanting must-see. A review of all that is done well and deserving of praise is effectively a simple recitation of everything that goes into making movies: Sam Taylor's direction, Walter Lundin's cinematography, Allen McNeil's editing; the production design, costume design, hair and makeup and more. Lloyd himself is a luminary deserving of his lofty reputation; his "Glasses" character is fabulously adaptable to any scenario, and he has the physicality, range, and otherwise skills to help any feature pop with vitality. Jobyna Ralston, with her soft and soulful gaze and endless charm, is a great foil for Lloyd's more bombastic portrayals in all their collaborations together. And this is to say nothing of others in still smaller parts - the actors taking on roles of cops, drunkards, passers-by, and everyone and everything in between are just as swell in making 'For heaven's sake' wonderfully enjoyable from start to finish.
Given the title and the premise, and the particular standards of film censors early in the twentieth century, one may well assume that this picture could turn out to be intolerably preachy and high-minded. I'm very pleased to say, however, that this couldn't be further from the truth - though hints of religious beliefs and practices are sprinkled throughout the scene writing, dialogue (as imparted through intertitles), and narrative, it's all only in good taste to lend to the unerring amusement. In fact, any spiritual connotations are really more of a garnish, and the themes that really take focus on the iniquities of the wealthy, and the possibilities of anyone to better themselves. Swirl this together with comedy and storytelling that's as stupendously fun as it is undeniably smart and genuine, and what we end up with is a title that rather strikes me as required viewing for any and all.
There was a time when I had difficulty abiding silent films - I just couldn't "get" them - so I can understand the point of view when other folks say much the same. Nonetheless, the entertainment in 'For heaven's sake' is so unfailingly robust and solid that to be frank I think it completely defies any categorization or limits. As much as I love many older films, still this impresses as an instant favorite, and almost certainly one of the best movies I've ever seen. No matter who you are, I wholeheartedly believe 'For heaven's sake' demands and has earned the viewership of all comers - this is a movie that's worth far more than its 60 minutes, and if you need to go out of your way to see it, so be it! Highest possible recommendation!