The Marathon

Before he became the most popular comedy star of the 1920s, Harold Lloyd spent years making comedy shorts. Many of them are rather poor by his later standards, as his Lonesome Luke character was brash and obnoxious...and nothing like his later bespectacled nice-guy. In fact, he did perfect this spectacle look in the 1910s...but he sure didn't act like the nice and lovable guy he'd play in the 1920s. These films aren't as bad as the Lonesome Luke films, but they still are usually second-rate Lloyd.

In these Lloyd films of the later 1910s, Harold usually starred with Harry 'Snub' Pollard and Bebe Daniels...and "The Marathon" is no exception. Like most, Snub plays Harold's rival and both are trying to win Bebe's love.

The story begins with many men trying to woo Bebe, but her father, inexplicably, choosing Snub for her. Soon, Harold shows up and the father calls the police to have him arrested...which is odd. However, the detective who arrives looks a lot like Harold and Harold soon impersonates him. What's next? See the film.

If you wonder who played the detective who looks a bit like Harold, it is his real life brother, Gaylord. As far as the plot goes, it's pretty typical of Lloyd's late 1910s films...with him pursuing Bebe. But in this case, her father has it out for Harold and this makes it very difficult for him. Will he get the girl? See the film.

There are a few laughs in this film, though it really pales compared to his later and better work. Worth seeing if you are already a fan but worth skipping if you've never seen his best work.