Comedy

Charlie Chaplin’s Making A Living (1914)

3/5 (1)

“Making A Living” is a silent comedy film directed by Henry Lehrman and released in 1914. The film stars Charlie Chaplin in his first film role for Keystone Studios, where he would go on to become a major star.

The film follows the exploits of Chaplin’s character, a swindler named Edgar English, who is trying to make a living by any means necessary. He starts off by trying to sell a fake stock certificate to a wealthy man, but when that fails, he tries his hand at journalism, posing as a reporter to get a scoop on a local murder case.

Along the way, Edgar English gets into all sorts of comical situations, including accidentally sitting on a woman’s hat and getting into a fight with a rival journalist. Despite his best efforts, however, he is never able to make a real success of himself, and by the end of the film, he is back to his old tricks, trying to swindle someone out of their money.

Despite its relatively simple plot, “Making A Living” is notable for introducing many of the comedic elements that would become hallmarks of Chaplin’s later work. The film features Chaplin’s signature tramp costume, as well as his distinctive physical humor and facial expressions. It also showcases his talent for improvisation and his ability to turn even the most mundane situations into comedy gold.

While “Making A Living” was not a huge commercial success upon its initial release, it helped to establish Chaplin as a rising star in the world of silent comedy, paving the way for many of his most famous films in the years to come.

Directors:
Henry Lehrman

Writer:
Reed Heustis

Stars:
Charles Chaplin, Emma Clifton, Chester Conklin

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Cops (1922)

4/5 (1)

“Cops” is a silent comedy film directed by Edward F. Cline and Buster Keaton, and released in 1922. The film follows the misadventures of a young man, played by Buster Keaton, who accidentally finds himself on the wrong side of the law.

The film begins with Buster Keaton’s character, who is referred to only as “The Boy,” trying to impress a young woman by pretending to be a successful businessman. However, his attempts at showing off his wealth backfire when he accidentally locks himself out of his own house and is forced to climb through a window to get back in. Unbeknownst to him, the house has just been burglarized, and when he emerges from the window, he is mistaken for the thief by a passing policeman.

The rest of the film follows The Boy as he tries to evade the police and clear his name. Along the way, he gets into all sorts of comical situations, including accidentally setting off a chain of events that causes chaos in the streets and inadvertently getting involved in a high-speed chase.

Despite his best efforts, The Boy eventually ends up in jail, where he makes a daring escape and ends up causing even more trouble on the streets. The film culminates in a hilarious chase sequence, as The Boy and a gang of police officers pursue each other through the city streets.

In the end, The Boy is able to clear his name and win the affection of the young woman he was trying to impress at the beginning of the film. “Cops” is considered one of Buster Keaton’s most iconic films, and is notable for its inventive stunts and hilarious physical comedy.

Directors:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Writer:
Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline

Stars:
Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline, Virginia Fox

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Convict 13 (1920)

4/5 (1)

“Convict 13” is a 1920 silent comedy film directed by and starring Buster Keaton. The film follows Keaton’s character, a young man who is mistaken for a prison inmate and sentenced to death by hanging. However, during the execution, a bolt of lightning strikes the gallows, knocking out the guards and allowing Keaton to escape.

As Keaton attempts to flee, he comes across a golfer who has been knocked unconscious. Keaton takes the man’s clothes and impersonates him, joining a group of wealthy golfers on the course. Despite his lack of experience, Keaton manages to hold his own on the links, using his own unique style and techniques.

As the game progresses, Keaton must dodge the suspicious prison guards and the real golfer’s angry girlfriend. The film culminates in a hilarious and thrilling finale as Keaton faces off against his pursuers on the golf course.

“Convict 13” is known for its inventive physical comedy and Keaton’s acrobatic stunts, as well as its creative use of sound effects and camera tricks. The film also showcases Keaton’s skill as a filmmaker, as he directed and edited the film himself. “Convict 13” remains a classic example of early silent comedy and a testament to Keaton’s enduring talent and influence.

Directors:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Writer:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Stars:
Buster Keaton, Sybil Seely, Joe Roberts

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Coney Island (1917)

4/5 (1)

“Coney Island” is a 1917 silent comedy film directed by Roscoe Arbuckle and starring Arbuckle, Mabel Normand, and Al St. John. The film is set at the famous Coney Island amusement park in New York, and follows the antics of a group of characters who work and play there.

Arbuckle plays a bumbling waiter named Fatty who has a crush on a beautiful dancer named Mabel (Normand). Mabel is also pursued by a wealthy playboy named Larry (St. John), who competes with Fatty for her affections.

As the story unfolds, the characters become embroiled in a series of humorous misadventures, including mistaken identities, pranks, and a wild ride on a rollercoaster. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of supporting characters, including a strongman, a fortune teller, and a pickpocket.

“Coney Island” is known for its slapstick humor and fast-paced action, as well as the chemistry between Arbuckle and Normand, who were frequent collaborators in silent comedy. The film is also notable for its early use of location shooting and its depiction of the vibrant culture and atmosphere of Coney Island during the early 20th century.

Directors:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle

Writer:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle

Stars:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, Joe Bordeaux

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Back Stage (1919)

3/5 (1)

“Back Stage” is a 1919 silent film directed by Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle and starring Arbuckle and Buster Keaton. The film is a comedy that takes place in a theater, with Arbuckle playing the role of a stagehand named Merton who dreams of becoming a performer.

Merton is in love with the leading lady of the theater troupe, but she is already engaged to the villainous head of the theater. When the leading lady’s father dies and leaves her his fortune, Merton sees an opportunity to win her over by producing a lavish show that will showcase her talents.

Merton convinces the other stagehands to help him put on the show, but chaos ensues as they struggle with various mishaps and obstacles, including a misbehaving mechanical set and an escaped monkey. Despite the setbacks, the show is a success, and Merton wins the leading lady’s heart.

The film is notable for its slapstick humor and physical comedy, as well as for its use of visual gags and inventive stunts. It also features the comedic talents of Arbuckle and Keaton, two of the most popular comedians of the silent era.

Directors:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle

Writer:
Jean C. Havez

Stars:
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, Al St. John

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A Jazzed Honeymoon (1919)

3/5 (1)

“A Jazzed Honeymoon” is a silent comedy film released in 1919, directed by Hal Roach and starring Harold Lloyd and Bebe Daniels as the lead characters.

The movie follows the story of a young couple, Harold and Bebe, who decide to take a honeymoon trip to the mountains. However, their plans are quickly derailed when they get caught up in a series of misadventures and comedic mishaps.

Along the way, they encounter a group of bootleggers, a runaway train, and a gang of robbers, all of which provide ample opportunities for slapstick humor and physical comedy. Despite the chaos, Harold and Bebe manage to stay together and emerge victorious in the end.

The film is notable for its innovative use of special effects and visual gags, which would become trademarks of Harold Lloyd’s later work. It also features a lively jazz soundtrack, which adds to the film’s upbeat and energetic tone.

“A Jazzed Honeymoon” was a popular success upon its release and helped to establish Harold Lloyd as one of the leading comedic actors of the silent era. The film’s humor and charm continue to entertain audiences today, making it a classic of early American cinema.

Directors:
Hal Roach

Writer:
H.M. Walker

Stars:
Harold Lloyd, ‘Snub’ Pollard, Bebe Daniels

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A Romance of the Redwoods (1917)

3/5 (1)

“A Romance of the Redwoods” is a silent romantic drama film released in 1917, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Mary Pickford as the lead character, Jenny Lawrence.

The movie is set in California during the Gold Rush era and follows the story of Jenny, a young woman who has been raised in a wealthy family in the city. Jenny falls in love with a handsome prospector named David Applegate, who comes to town seeking his fortune. Despite the objections of her family, Jenny decides to run away with David and start a new life in the rugged and untamed Redwood forest.

Once in the forest, Jenny and David face numerous challenges, including the harsh environment, dangerous animals, and hostile Native American tribes. However, they persevere and build a successful homestead together. Along the way, they also encounter a group of criminals who are attempting to smuggle stolen goods through the forest. Jenny and David work together to thwart the criminals and protect their home.

As Jenny and David settle into their new life together, they must also confront the prejudices and social conventions that threaten to tear them apart. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to each other and to their life in the Redwoods.

“A Romance of the Redwoods” was a popular film in its time, and it helped to establish Mary Pickford as a major star in Hollywood. The movie’s themes of adventure, romance, and overcoming obstacles in a rugged wilderness setting continue to resonate with audiences today.

Directors:
Cecil B. DeMille

Writer:

Cecil B. DeMille, Jeanie Macpherson

Stars:
Mary Pickford, Elliott Dexter, Tully Marshall

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A Bucket of Blood (1959)

3/5 (1)

“A Bucket of Blood” is a horror-comedy movie released in 1959, directed by Roger Corman and starring Dick Miller as the lead character, Walter Paisley.

The movie revolves around Walter Paisley, a struggling artist who works as a busboy in a beatnik café. Walter is desperate to be recognized as an artist but lacks the talent and creativity to make a name for himself. One day, he accidentally kills a cat and covers it with clay, turning it into a sculpture. The sculpture is praised by his beatnik friends as a masterpiece, and Walter realizes that he can gain recognition as an artist by creating more sculptures using dead animals and people.

As Walter’s sculptures become more and more popular, he becomes increasingly unhinged and begins to murder people to create more sculptures. The beatnik community, unaware of Walter’s crimes, continue to praise his work, and he becomes a celebrated artist. However, when the police begin to suspect him of murder, Walter’s facade begins to crumble, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions.

“A Bucket of Blood” is a satirical take on the art world and the pressures of artistic ambition. The movie is notable for its combination of horror and comedy, and it remains a cult classic for fans of both genres.

Directors:
Roger Corman

Writer:
Charles B. Griffith

Stars:
Dick Miller, Barboura Morris, Antony Carbone

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Africa Screams (1949)

4.5/5 (2)

“Africa Screams” is a comedy film released in 1949 and directed by Charles Barton. The film stars the comedy duo of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, as well as Clyde Beatty, Frank Buck, and Max and Buddy Baer.

The plot follows Bud and Lou as they work in a bookstore and dream of adventure and riches. They are approached by a shady businessman who convinces them to join an expedition to Africa in search of a lost diamond mine. Unbeknownst to them, the businessman plans to steal the diamonds for himself.

Once in Africa, Bud and Lou encounter a series of mishaps and comedic situations, as they try to navigate the dangerous terrain and avoid wild animals. They also meet up with real-life wild animal trainers Clyde Beatty and Frank Buck, who help them out of several sticky situations.

As the expedition continues, Bud and Lou become suspicious of their employer’s motives and begin to unravel his plan. They ultimately thwart his scheme and return to America with a valuable diamond, but not before encountering one final hilarious obstacle.

The film is a classic example of Abbott and Costello’s trademark humor, featuring their comedic banter, physical gags, and funny reactions to the dangerous situations they find themselves in. The inclusion of real-life animal trainers and exotic African settings adds to the film’s appeal and creates a unique blend of comedy and adventure.

Directors:
Charles Barton

Writer:
Earl Baldwin, Martin Ragaway, Leonard Stern

Stars:
Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Clyde Beatty

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West of Hot Dog (1924)

4/5 (1)

“West of Hot Dog” is a silent comedy film released in 1924. The movie follows the misadventures of a cowboy named Cactus Kid (played by Harold Lloyd) who falls in love with a beautiful woman named Bessie (played by Mildred Davis).

Cactus Kid and Bessie meet when he saves her from a runaway horse, and she invites him to her father’s ranch. However, when Cactus Kid arrives, he discovers that Bessie’s father is being held captive by a gang of bandits led by the notorious outlaw, “The Rattler.”

Determined to rescue Bessie’s father and win her heart, Cactus Kid sets out to capture The Rattler and his gang. Along the way, he encounters a series of obstacles and comical mishaps, including a barroom brawl, a horse race, and a run-in with a Native American tribe.

Despite the challenges, Cactus Kid ultimately triumphs and saves the day, winning Bessie’s heart in the process. The film ends with the happy couple riding off into the sunset together.

“West of Hot Dog” is a classic silent comedy that showcases Harold Lloyd’s talent for physical comedy and his ability to create memorable characters. It is a must-see for fans of early cinema and fans of the Western genre.

Directors:
Joe Rock, Scott Pembroke

Writer:
Tay Garnett

Stars:
Stan Laurel, Julie Leonard, Lew Meehan

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