Larry Semon was one of the popular comedians of the 1920’s. His films were fast paced, creative and often quite funny. Like Charlie Chaplin, Semon was in complete control over many of his films, often directing and producing them as well as staring. Unlike Chaplin though this turned out to be a problem for Semon. As good as Semon was at gags and creative ideas, his films were often lacking in the character department. While the characters of Laurel and Hardy, Harold Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin feel so real to us, Semon’s character is often bland and relies on jokes and situations to make him entertaining. This caused trouble in a movie like The Wizard of Oz (1925) where we are unable to connect with anyone on screen and therefore there is no magic awe or wonder.
Possibly Larry Semon’s greatest film is the feature length, The Perfect Clown. This film perfectly shows Semon’s comedy made to be suited for feature length. While the story is still not as strong as those in the films of his contemporaries, Larry’s character is more fleshed put and believable here. This probably has to do with the movie being directed by Fred Newmeyer instead of Larry himself. The movie slows down the pace and lets us get to know the characters, while still providing us with the very funny and creative slapstick the comedian is known for. One wonders if Semon had made more movies like this if his reputation among silent film buffs would be stronger today. This is certainly one of the most overlooked gems of silent film comedy.
The story has Larry as a bank clerk. He is given $10,000 to deposit in the bank. However the bank is closed and Larry tries to deliver the money to the bank clerk at night. This causes him to get into a lot of trouble. Oliver Hardy (before teaming with Stan Laurel) has a delightful role as a landlady’s son, who at first treats Larry harshly, but becomes much nicer when he learns Larry is carrying so much money.
With Oliver Hardy appearing in this picture it is worth noting that Stan Laurel had also worked in multiple Larry Semon films. However this was at a different time and the two never appeared together in a Semon film.
An article in Moving Picture World dated October 31, 1925 talks about the film’s press book. It states “The press book on ‘The Perfect Clown’ starring Larry Semon is the most unusual book ever turned out by the Chadwick Pictures Corporation. The picture being called one of the best comedies produced by Semon, called for a book that would tell its story.
“’The Perfect Clown’ is one of the funniest pictures in the annals of filmdom, and the book is not only a press book but is also written in the comedy vein. Exceptional stunts, individuality and originality sound a new note in the line and description. The scene cuts are invaluable for publication, and are uniquely tied up with jokes. Eight pages of interesting reading matter and honest-to-goodness news will ‘put the picture over.’
“Instead of the usual semi-photographical reproductions for poster, a series of cartoon reproductions with snappy sayings make up the posters. There is also another of cartoons for exploitation as ‘The Perfect Clown Sez: A man who hides behind a woman’s skirts, nowadays, is not a coward – he is a magician’ or an additional sign copy, ‘The Perfect Clown Sez: They’re selling crossword whiskey now – you drink it vertical and get carried out horizontal.’ These signs are accompanied by the cartoon of the funster himself, and are certain to pave the road to the theater with laughs.”
Despite the excellence of this film not everybody was enthusiastic about it at the time. A review in Photoplay stated “A very bad comedy with Larry Semon. Might have been funny in two reels.” An exhibitor wrote about it to Exhibitors Herald “The Perfect Clown: Larry Semon – A typical Semon comedy with slapstick and all that goes with it. Nothing great however. Worth what Specialty, Dallas will charge you, then some. Seven Reels. – Fry. Palace Theater, Mt. Pleasant, Tex. –General patronage.” Another Exhibitor wrote, “The Perfect Clown: Larry Semon – Can’t see him in anything longer than two reels. Just a bunch of foolishness and another night wasted. If you like Larry, I guess you’ll like it but that lets it out. Six Reels. – Henry Reeve, Star Theater, Menard, Tex. –Small Town Patronage.”
If you think all of Larry Semon's feature films are like his underwhelming "adaption" of The Wizard of Oz (1925), you might want to check out this film, as it could easily change your mind.
The film is on YouTube and you can watch below.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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