Fatty and Mabel Adrift

"Fatty & Mabel Adrift" is very enjoyable, has a little bit of everything, and was also made with care and skill. It would have been a very good film even in a somewhat later era when movie-making was more refined, and for the mid-teens it is impressive. There are some short features from this era that are quite entertaining, but that were rather obviously thrown together without careful planning. Then there are other short features from the 'teens (such as those of D.W. Griffith) that are quite impressive for the time in terms of their technique and refinement, but whose content sometimes leaves you feeling distant or even cold. This is one of the rare shorts from the era that is strong in both respects.

The opening sequence is mostly just pleasant slapstick silliness in a farm setting, nothing especially creative, but enjoyable. The characters are simple, but well-defined. Then, when the couple gets to their honeymoon cottage, the rest of the film is a fine combination of humor and action. Mabel Normand is at her most charming, Roscoe Arbuckle is full of energy and good cheer, and the supporting cast pitches in too (and even the Keystone dog gets some good moments). There is a good assortment of comedy material; there are some nice, touching moments with the new couple; and then of course there is plenty of action in the later scenes. It's well-made and entertaining, and it remains just as enjoyable even after repeated viewings.