In 1915 probably the two biggest stars at the Keystone studio were Mabel Normand and Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle. Not surprisingly the two were teamed up for multiple shorts. Though charming is not a word most people would use to describe Keystone shorts, these films were extremely charming heavily due to the great chemistry between the two stars.
The storyline of Fatty and Mabel's Simple Life is typical Keystone in that it uses a stereotypical melodramatic plot (one that was already considered old fashioned in the 1910's) as an excuse for comedy. The plot is that Fatty and Mabel are young country folk very much in love. However to help pay for the farm's mortgage, Mabel's dad (Josef Swickward) arranges for Mabel to marry a stranger (Al St. John).
This film manages to be both a very funny slapstick comedy and completely adorable at the same time. The way this is done is extremely effective. The adorableness comes out of the characters while the comedy comes out of the situations. For instance Mabel and Fatty's playfulness with each other as they are doing the farm chores is adorable and when they two meaning to playfully squirt each other get Mabel's father all wet that is funny. Just because this film has a sweet and charming side does not mean the comedy department is at all lacking. The climax with an out of control car is as funny as anything Keystone ever did. It is often remarked upon about how great Charlie Chaplin was at combining slapstick and sentimentality. However in his self directed films like this or Fatty and Mabel Adrift (1916), Arbuckle showed a real remarkable talent for combining sweetness and slapstick. Yet this is little remarked upon by silent comedy fans.
One interesting thing about this film for silent comedy fans is Al St. John's role. Al is often an actor whose face will be better recognized by silent film fans than his name. He appeared in many of Arbuckle's best short subjects (including those with Buster Keaton). Like he does in this film, he often plays the romantic rival for Arbuckle. However his appearance is much different here. Often Al has an extremely over the top and cartoony look to him. Yet in this film he is a regular looking guy.
The film is in the public domain and is able to be seen via YouTube. Watch it below.
-Michael J. Ruhland
No comments:
Post a Comment