Mabel, Fatty and the Law

As a comedy, this one is poor in the things that seemed to matter, the physical bits, the comic takes when the situation turns sour.

But its amazing in what it chooses as its story. Remember, film was young, younger in those days that the web is now. It was still experimenting and the comedy for this silent period was what worked best. There were few known things that worked so many different experiments were tried.

In this case, its wifeswapping. Sure, the story shows benign things: park benches, fluttering eyes. But we know these images denote some nimble rutting. Unlike the Shakespearean pattern where the comedy is in the disguise and discovery, here it is mostly in the act, which lands the main couple in jail.

Its a disconcerting thing, because this thread died off early in the family tree of movies. Seems disconcerting as a result.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

Mabel Normand and Roscoe Arbuckle are delightful as usual in their roles and Harry Gribbon (my favorite Keystone actor) and Minta Durfee do very well in theirs. A sound cast, expert Arbuckle direction, and a funny story combine to make this one-reeler a sheer delight from start to finish. It is an enjoyable little souvenir from a bygone era.

While generally rather silly, this is a pretty good silent comedy that features two fine stars plus some surprisingly good supporting performances.

Practically any comedy with both Mabel Normand and 'Fatty' Arbuckle is worth seeing, and here they are as entertaining as ever. They are joined by Harry Gribbon and Minta Durfee, who complement them nicely.

The story starts with the two couples encountering one another in a park where "No Spooning Allowed" signs are posted prominently. This pleasant anachronism (that is, it was likely so even at the time) is used creatively to build up a series of slapstick predicaments almost out of thin air, with the four of them joined by several of Keystone's classic comic policemen.

Normand is as charming and funny as ever, and Arbuckle shows plenty of energy in playing his scamp of a character. The other couple play their roles well, especially Gribbon, who steals a couple of moments with his antics. For all that it is silly and insubstantial, it's an entertaining little comedy.

Fatty's Spooning Day (1915)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

A flirt (Fatty Arbuckle) gets thrown behind bars and must explain to his wife. A few laughs including Fatty getting beaten up by his wife but other than that the film is pretty flat.

Fatty's Suitless Day (1915)

** (out of 4)

Fatty needs a new suit to go dancing but this just leads to trouble. Again, not too many laughs but there are a few cute moments to keep the thing going.