Cast overview: | |||
Mabel Normand | ... | Mabel - Fatty's Wife | |
Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle | ... | Fatty (as Roscoe Arbuckle) | |
Harry Gribbon | ... | Flirty Husband | |
Minta Durfee | ... | Flirty Wife | |
Josef Swickard | ... | Desk Sergeant |
In a small city park where strict vigilance is maintained against flirting. Mabel, a young and pretty wife with a bore of a husband innocently amuses herself with the harmless attentions of Fatty. Fatty relishes the situation all the more because this is one of those rare occasions, when he has succeeded in escaping from the jailer-like watchfulness of his wife. Meanwhile, Fatty's wife and Mabel's husband are carrying on a similar game. They are discovered by the police and a sensational arrest ensues. Both couples appear in court, where numerous complications make a reel full of fun. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis
While generally rather silly, this is a pretty good silent comedy that features two fine stars plus some surprisingly good supporting performances.
Practically any comedy with both Mabel Normand and 'Fatty' Arbuckle is worth seeing, and here they are as entertaining as ever. They are joined by Harry Gribbon and Minta Durfee, who complement them nicely.
The story starts with the two couples encountering one another in a park where "No Spooning Allowed" signs are posted prominently. This pleasant anachronism (that is, it was likely so even at the time) is used creatively to build up a series of slapstick predicaments almost out of thin air, with the four of them joined by several of Keystone's classic comic policemen.
Normand is as charming and funny as ever, and Arbuckle shows plenty of energy in playing his scamp of a character. The other couple play their roles well, especially Gribbon, who steals a couple of moments with his antics. For all that it is silly and insubstantial, it's an entertaining little comedy.