This is a Max Linder short from early in his comedy career. Linder was one of the first big names in comedy--and the likes of Chaplin credit him for inspiring and shaping their craft. Sadly, he's pretty much forgotten today.
In this film, Max (called "Romeo") is in love with a lady but her father wants nothing to do with him. So, Max concocts a clever plan. He and his friends (in disguise) tie up the father and fake a kidnapping of the daughter. Then, Max pretends to just happen by when the father escapes and the brave Max helps him to rescue the lady--all intended to make his future father-in-law approve of him as his new son-in-law.
"Romeo Turns Bandit" is not a great title for this Max Linder film and it leaves a lot to be desired--mostly because parts of the film appear to be missing. That part of the film is gone isn't surprising--as this is true of many silents. Due to the use of nitrate film, they had a strong tendency to degrade or even catch fire if not stored perfectly. And, sadly, most at the time didn't seem to care about what happened to films once they were shown. Here, sadly, the movie's conclusion is missing--other than an intertitle card which tells what happened! Talk about an anti-climactic film! Also, the complete lack of any comedy might not be the fault of the film--perhaps the funny parts are just missing.
In this film, Max (called "Romeo") is in love with a lady but her father wants nothing to do with him. So, Max concocts a clever plan. He and his friends (in disguise) tie up the father and fake a kidnapping of the daughter. Then, Max pretends to just happen by when the father escapes and the brave Max helps him to rescue the lady--all intended to make his future father-in-law approve of him as his new son-in-law.
"Romeo Turns Bandit" is not a great title for this Max Linder film and it leaves a lot to be desired--mostly because parts of the film appear to be missing. That part of the film is gone isn't surprising--as this is true of many silents. Due to the use of nitrate film, they had a strong tendency to degrade or even catch fire if not stored perfectly. And, sadly, most at the time didn't seem to care about what happened to films once they were shown. Here, sadly, the movie's conclusion is missing--other than an intertitle card which tells what happened! Talk about an anti-climactic film! Also, the complete lack of any comedy might not be the fault of the film--perhaps the funny parts are just missing.