Literally Wonderful
All right, not literally. I have a few issues with this Charley Chase picture. First, he doesn't sing. Second, the set-up gag is that he takes everything literally and follows orders.
Once you get past these two issues, you find your typically fine Chase picture from this period. Gus Meins is listed as the director, but Chase directed his own pictures although he would consult with his brother or Leo MacCarey when they were supposed to be his director. His leading lady in this period is Muriel Evans, not as fine a comedienne as Thelma Todd nor as good an all-around performer as Helen Mack, but pretty and competent and a subtle skill in letting you know she was having a good time.
Plus there's Billy Gilbrt in a foul mood and a nice Roach-Studios puddle gag. No one was as consistently funny at such a fast pace as Chase was, and if you have a chance to see a film by him, do so.
Once you get past these two issues, you find your typically fine Chase picture from this period. Gus Meins is listed as the director, but Chase directed his own pictures although he would consult with his brother or Leo MacCarey when they were supposed to be his director. His leading lady in this period is Muriel Evans, not as fine a comedienne as Thelma Todd nor as good an all-around performer as Helen Mack, but pretty and competent and a subtle skill in letting you know she was having a good time.
Plus there's Billy Gilbrt in a foul mood and a nice Roach-Studios puddle gag. No one was as consistently funny at such a fast pace as Chase was, and if you have a chance to see a film by him, do so.
- boblipton
- 15 juil. 2010