Seven Years Bad Luck

After drinking too much at his bachelor party, wealthy Max Linder stumbles home, disoriented. He confuses his window and closet. Servants accidentally break Max' full-length mirror and conceal the fact by having a Max look-alike (Harry Mann) pose as his reflection. The ruse works through his morning shave, but Max realizes the glass is missing and throws a shoe at the mirror. Unfortunately, the new glass arrived and repairs were made. Max broke the mended mirror and fears "Seven Years Bad Luck" will follow...

The "mirror scene" in the opening minutes wasn't the first or last time this "bit" was done; however, it was the best. There are other great moments in this feature. The main story involves "false friend" F.B. Crayne trying to steal pretty Alta Allen (as Betty) from luckless Max. You'll lose track of the plot while marveling at how Max is able to sneak on a train and evade pursuers. Note how his disguise as a Black porter avoids the stereotypical qualities common for the time; there are no exaggerated lips or eyes, and Max' stance is explained by his over-sized pants. A female passenger is unable to accept the "masked" Max...

There are those who like Max with the lions, but the scenes do look forced. Much better is the finale. When Max in thrown in jail, he meets an inmate (Cap Anderson) who demands, "Scratch my back!" Max initially declines, but taking care of the other man's "itch" becomes pleasurable when they dose off and Max dreams his new companion is female. When they wake up, Max wants "Mary" again, but his new partner has a hard time giving up the relationship. In the end, switching partners appears to solve the problem.

********* Seven Years Bad Luck (2/6/21) Max Linder ~ Max Linder, Alta Allen, F.B. Crayne, Harry Mann, Cap Anderson