Slow as Lightning

Anthony J. Xydias owned both Sunset Productions and Aywon (A-1, get it!) Film Distributors. One of the best – if not the best – of the Xydias movies is the remarkable "Slow as Lightning" (1923). Xydias realized he had a first rate star-in-the-making in the highly personable stuntman-hero, Kenneth McDonald. For McDonald's debut film, Xydias hired talented screenwriter Grover Jones to direct. Admittedly the support players are not in the same league. William Malan, making his film debut here as the villain, is the best; while Edna Pennington (in her last of three films) is not exactly the heroine that would inspire me to walk through fire. Admittedly, she is hampered by playing both Edna the girl and Edna the woman, whereas the hero's boyish exploits are accomplished by ten-year-old Billy "Red" Jones (also making his film debut here. Billy later became a well-known jockey). Despite the movie's minor shortcomings (to which should be added the hammy Joe Bonner, whom the director often indulges with close-ups), "Slow as Lightning" is a real fun movie, crisply paced with breathtaking stuntwork from first to last.

The print from Alpha Video doesn't quite fit the frame and could use some restoration, but as it appears to be the only version of this silent comedy out there, you will need to make the best of it.

Kenneth MacDonald stars as 'Jimmy March'--a nice guy who wants to get ahead in the business world but often is hindered by his despicable rival, Mortimer Fenton. While Fenton is well-liked by others, they don't see the other side of him--the schemer and conniver. Eventually, Jimmy takes enough that he finally knocks Fenton's block off--and even his toadies couldn't help. But Fenton is determined to ruin Jimmy and will do anything to ruin him.

In many ways, this film plays a lot like a Harold Lloyd film--where a nice guy eventually proves his mettle and wins the day...and the girl. However, MacDonald is a lot more athletic looking and doesn't strike that same sad soul that Lloyd perfected in the 1920s. Also, while MacDonald is very physical (more so than Lloyd), this film lacks something you'll always see in Lloyd's--humor. While the story is pleasant and the last portion a crazy string of stunts, it just isn't all that funny. However, it isn't bad...and is worth a peek if you like silents. Just don't expect a laugh riot.