The Last Man on Earth

In the distant future year of 1950...

That doesn't make any sense, does it? OK. It's 1924: little Elmer Smith loves little Hattie, but she despises him because he's a sissy. In 1940, Elmer has grown up to be Earle Foxe and Hattie to be Derelys Perdue. When she still doesn't love him, he climbs into his airplane and goes to hide. Meanwhile, a germ is spreading across the earth that kills all men over fourteen.

In the distant future year of 1950, the Teahouse Gang locates Earle living in a tree. He is the last man on earth. They bring the timid creature back to a world of women that can't keep their hands off him. When the cat lady who is the President finds out about it, she arranges a boxing match between two junior senatoresses, winner take all.

Some parts of this silent comedy have not aged well, but there are some good gags and sequences in it.... just the idea of Earle Foxe as the beau ideal is image to make anyone snicker. The costume designers also had a lot of fun making the clothing as ridiculous as possible. By 1940, we are led to believe, garden-party clothes for young ladies will be thigh-length hoop skirts over harem pants. Ten years later, Roman togas will also be things that the well-dressed woman will wear. And hats! Weird hats decorated with all sorts of knick-knacks; only Miss Perdue will wear fruit on her chapeau.