This is probably my favorite of all the Harold Lloyd silent features. Lloyd is my second-favorite of the great silent comedians, after Buster Keaton and before Charlie Chaplin, and this movie showcases him well.
Lloyd tended to trade more on frenetic action than imagination (Keaton) or pathos (Chaplin), but this movie is an excellent mix of both. The guest appearance by Babe Ruth is a treat; in the sports films of the day, we rarely get such a close-up look at Mr. Ruth. I have to say that his silent acting is worlds better than Michael Jordan's sound acting.
There's not much I can directly comment on, without being a bit of a spoiler. I will say that this movie demonstrates Harold's athleticism and cleverness in more equal parts than most of his other features.
Some people will say that 'The Freshman' or 'The Kid Brother' are Lloyd's best silent work. I think we should go out and beat those people with broom handles.
Well, okay. Maybe just brooms.
Anyhow, I disagree. This movie develops Lloyd's 'glasses' character into a multi-dimensional being with more concerns than just succeeding in business, winning the girl, and/or not plummeting to his doom from the side of a skyscraper.
Highly recommended.
Lloyd tended to trade more on frenetic action than imagination (Keaton) or pathos (Chaplin), but this movie is an excellent mix of both. The guest appearance by Babe Ruth is a treat; in the sports films of the day, we rarely get such a close-up look at Mr. Ruth. I have to say that his silent acting is worlds better than Michael Jordan's sound acting.
There's not much I can directly comment on, without being a bit of a spoiler. I will say that this movie demonstrates Harold's athleticism and cleverness in more equal parts than most of his other features.
Some people will say that 'The Freshman' or 'The Kid Brother' are Lloyd's best silent work. I think we should go out and beat those people with broom handles.
Well, okay. Maybe just brooms.
Anyhow, I disagree. This movie develops Lloyd's 'glasses' character into a multi-dimensional being with more concerns than just succeeding in business, winning the girl, and/or not plummeting to his doom from the side of a skyscraper.
Highly recommended.