Großmutters Junge

GRANDMA'S BOY is among the first silent comedies that focus on characterization. It is also Lloyd's breakthrough picture which set him on the rank of Chaplin and Keaton and we can easily see why. It's full of tightly linked, ingenious gags( even where he put his hat would serve as a link to later action ). It also keeps some acrobatic movements that reminds us of Lloyd's 2 reeler days. It has a strong story line, and consistent plot development and delicate performance from Lloyd as well. The Grandpa's Civil war episode is truly funny.

"Grandma's Boy" is an entertaining Harold Lloyd comedy that combines plenty of his usual slapstick antics with some thoughtful, if simple, ideas that add another dimension. Lloyd's character is more sympathetic than usual, and the story is funny, includes some good action, and is occasionally reflective. While it does not have any dazzling sequences (such as in "Safety Last"), it succeeds quite well on its own level.

Lloyd gives a good performance as always, with his hapless but earnest character. The rest of the cast helps out as well. Charles Stevenson is suitably overbearing as Lloyd's rival, Mildred Davis is likable as his girlfriend, and Anna Townsend is believable as his grandmother, determined to help out her boy. The amusing story that she tells about Harold's grandfather is one of the highlights, and it is used quite well in the plot.

The rest of the story is good as well, and all in all this is an enjoyable little feature.

I think the best overall summary would be to call this a dramatic comedy. Harold Lloyd displays accomplished slapstick while at the same time being involved in the drama of catching a tramp causing a lot of problems for the town. An ongoing subplot involves the used-to-be school bully (now grown up) who continues to bully Harold and does his best to take his girl from him. It is not until Harold's grandma tells him about a special amulet that his grandfather used in the Civil War and got his courage from that he gets up the courage to take after the tramp and take on the bully. All of the action involves numerous slapstick antics that really make the movie. Yet, with all of that, the point still comes across that things don't give us courage and abilities. We get our courage to act from within ourselves. This movie reinforces that there were very good silent movies made and we can learn from them and have a lot of laughs at the same time.

Blossom Bend is a small leisurely place. Harold (Harold Lloyd) is a meek, modest, and retiring 19 year old. He's in love with Mildred although he faces his Rival at every turn. He's raised by his loving grandma. No matter how much he's bullied since childhood, he never fights back. The latest is a dirty volatile tramp. The sheriff leading a mob arrives looking to apprehend the tramp for robbery and murder. Harold volunteers for the posse although he doesn't have the courage to do the job until his grandma gives him his grandpa's magic charm which he got during the war.

This is a fun little feature from Lloyd. Personally, I thought it was brave not to hit back as a little kid and it was kindness to give the other kid his food. Obviously, I don't want him to hide under his cover in fear. There are some great car chase stunts. It's plenty funny and I like the character. It's a solid silent era comedy.

GRANDMA'S BOY is a terribly timid fellow until the old lady decides to instill some much needed courage into him.

This sweetly poignant and very funny film started off as a two-reeler, but star Harold Lloyd, with the approval of producer Hal Roach, kept adding gags until the completed picture ran about an hour. Harold also wanted something else - to instill a serious element to the story and his character, an innovation new to American comedy films.

He succeeded brilliantly, with the finished film a joy, blending the hilarious and the sentimental seamlessly. As always, Harold is a special treat to watch, his amazing athletic abilities made even more impressive by the fact that he was missing half of his right hand. The plot makes Harold deal with both a contemptible bully and a vicious tramp, giving our hero full opportunity for running, falling, leaping & almost endless fisticuffs, all of which he carries off with great skill and good humor. And just to show that his bag of tricks is not depleted Harold throws in an uproarious Civil War flashback to delight the viewer.

Lovely Mildred Davis plays the girl of Harold's dreams. Charles Stevenson as the Rival and Dick Sutherland as the Tramp both make wonderful villains. Noah Young, who so often played the heavy in Harold's films, here has the relatively small role as the sheriff of Blossom Bend. Best of all is sweet elderly Anna Townsend, playing Harold's little darling of a grandma; whether attacking the Tramp with a broom or rejoicing at her grandson's newly found courage, she remains the heart of this very special movie. Anna Townsend would die the following year, 1923, at the age of 78.

Robert Israel has composed an excellent film score which perfectly complements Harold's antics on the screen.