In the 1920s, the world's most successful film comedian was Harold Lloyd...though most folks today probably have no idea who he was. His popularity increased tremendously over his films of the 1910s for two main reasons...they became more plot-driven and his character went from brash and nasty to sweet and naive. The bottom line is that the later Lloyd was lovable....his earlier incarnations were not. His first major character was Lonesome Luke...a grotesque looking guy in many ways. He later changed to the more familiar everyman look with glasses....but it still would be several years before the character would be refined or even likable. "The Flirt" is a film from this phase....where he looked like the likable 1920s character but was still a jerk at heart.
Harold gots to a local restaurant...mostly to make time with the pretty cashier (Bebe Daniels). His boss is the familiar Snub Pollard and Snub has the insane notion that once he hires Harold that Harold should actually work! As a waiter, he mostly makes a mess of things....until he ultimately quits. Why? Watch the film.
For me, many of these middle-stage Harold Lloyd films are great for fans but the average person probably won't care about them or appreciate them. Again, because he's NOT likable and the gags mostly involve hurting other people. Not especially funny stuff.
