Frank Capra directed Harry Langdon's Long Pants, and it would be the last such film Capra would direct starring Harry Langdon. The two reportedly had a falling out about the source of Langdon's overnight success with Langdon thinking Capra's contribution was minimal. History tells us otherwise, as Langdon's career completely sank after parting ways with Capra. In this film, Harry is somewhat of a simpleton who is given his long pants by his parents a little later in life. This of course symbolizes adulthood in 1927 terms. Harry immediately gets in a fix with a bad seed woman who later exploits his goodness. In between, Harry finds he can't marry his betrothed because he's smitten with the bad seed. The solution is to take his would be bride into the woods and shoot her to death. This long, funny sequence in the middle of the film is quite interesting and unusual for its time in that it features black humor, but does anybody really believe Harry won't return to his real sweetheart? A misguided Harry inadvertently participates in a rescue of the bad seed, and funny scenes ensue with her before he realizes she's already married! During the misadventures, Harry gets nibbled on by an alligator and is dumbfounded by a policeman prop before the real thing comes along. The prodigal bridegroom returns to his place in the world at the fade out. The film does not contain many stock Capra moments that he would later be known for. Writer Tay Garnett later directed several charming films in the 1930's. **1/2 of 4 stars.
Review of Long Pants
