HAL-57 Reviews

Cabiria (1914)

A Remarkable Achievement

[9/10 · 26 May 1999]

This film must have taken a big pile of lire to produce. Check out those huge sets with people walking on them and within them. The Temple of Moloch is a good example, being able to accommodate large crowds and plenty of action. Watch Batto's house (another towering set) collapse on the hapless people inside. See Mount Etna erupt very realistically, ultimately bringing down Batto's home. This plus the other special effects are brilliant. Even the props (notably the pottery) are designed and made very creatively. The acting, however, is a bit overdone, but that was the norm in film and on stage in 1913-1914. It doesn't detract from the film at all. (Sophonisba is about the worst offender, but I still love her!) The direction of the picture, with crowds and all types of terrain and sets is extremely good. The story is very well paced. I highly recommend this remarkable achievement. It is a guarantee that you will enjoy it.

It (1927)

It's. . . The Clara Bow Show!

[5/10 · 20 May 1999]

Maybe I'm a little hasty in saying that I dislike this picture. I don't dislike Clara Bow (as a matter of fact, I love her) and I believe she steals the show hands down. I don't dislike William Austin as the foppish Monty or the wan Priscilla Bonner as Bow's roommate Molly. The witty titles by George Marion, Jr., are also very good for a laugh. But. .. I don't care for Antonio Moreno's performance which to me is wooden and somewhat uncomfortable. And, I actively dislike Elinor Glyn, her It concept, and her yawner of a story. This film is almost all Bow, and if you can wade through the abysmal parts, it is worth seeing.

The Untameable (1923)

A Coup for Gladys Walton

[9/10 · 19 May 1999]

Now here's a movie with real meat on its bones! Never has a split personality disorder been depicted so well so early on the screen without becoming predictable or campy. And the story is beautifully paced from start to finish.

Gladys Walton scores a coup in the dual role of Joy/Edna. Her portrayal of the young woman victimized by the disorder is stunning. John Sainpolis as the evil doctor, Malcolm McGregor as Joy Fielding's boyfriend, and Etta Lee as Joy/Edna's companion Ah Moy also shine in their respective roles. Blache's direction is most appropriate to the story line. This film is definitely one you will want to see!

Fatty's Magic Pants (1914)

A MAGICAL FILM

[6/10 · 7 May 1999]

Have you ever gone to a fancy dress ball and had your trousers suddenly vanish? Fatty Arbuckle has. What will happen as the evening progresses? Will more articles of his clothing disappear?

This is a good story and is well-acted, particularly by Arbuckle and Minta Durfee, his real-life wife. Laughs never cease as gag after gag ensues. This is another magical film from the folks at Keystone.

Bangville Police (1913)

OH BEAUTIFUL MABEL!

[7 May 1999]

Not to worry, pretty Mabel, the Bangville Police are on the job! Actually, they resemble the peasant militia in appearances and armaments. However, they always get their man!

In this film we see part of the early stage of evolution of the Keystone Cops, which proceeded from rural bungling to big city ineptitude.

Although Mabel stands out in acting, the rest of the cast is just fine. The story, however, is bare bones, but that doesn't detract from the film. It is a lot of fun to watch.

As an afterthought here, I should say that Mabel Normand is beautifully photographed. I can understand why she was so popular with artists and photographers of her day.

A Hash House Fraud (1915)

Laughs in Stock

[5/10 · 23 April 1999]

Want to buy the Busy Bee Beanery? It's for sale and Hugh Fay is anxious to sell. Let the buyer beware, however, as the joint hasn't got any food in stock. As a matter of fact, they haven't got much of anything in stock or anywhere else. What this film has in stock though are laughs and one of the great Keystone chases. The cast are good in their respective roles, although sometimes Hugh over-acts a bit. Nevertheless, this is a fun comedy to watch.

Ambrose's Nasty Temper (1915)

A well-done comedy from Keystone

[6/10 · 22 April 1999]

How long can Cecile hold her breath? How long can she remain alive while tied to a post in a room rapidly filling up with water? What will happen? Will Ambrose's diabolical plot succeed? Not to worry. The Keystone Cops are on the case!

The acting is good; I especially like Mack Swain's portrayal of Ambrose. Louise Fazenda plays her role of mother with aplomb. The story is nicely paced, particularly toward the end. Also, be sure to read the signs on the walls!

This is a well-done comedy from Keystone and is a fine one to add to your collection.

Fatty's Tintype Tangle (1915)

Guaranteed to get laughs!

[8/10 · 16 April 1999]

You know, I really like this film. It's got a great story, very good acting, and some genuinely funny moments. The story deals with a misunderstanding generated by an itinerant photographer in the park. He photographs Fatty and Louise together in a totally innocent embrace without their knowledge. When they (and their spouses) find out about this seemingly not so innocent tintype, all hell breaks loose! Edgar thinks Fatty is having an affair with his wife! Out come the guns! Can Fatty really outrun a speeding bullet? Arbuckle is also ably at the helm of this fine farce comedy. Good acting plus a fast-paced story add up to a highly amusing and enjoyable two-reeler that is still guaranteed to get laughs after all these years.

Court House Crooks (1915)

A Whopping Good Time!

[7/10 · 8 April 1999]

Now this one is really fun! The District Attorney (Ford Sterling) is having an affair with the Judge's wife (Minta Durfee). This entertaining story is full of twists, turns, and close shaves and is almost a bedroom farce. The actors are up for the occasion as all principals play their parts well. There are also some hilarious sight gags such as Ford's walking on a clothesline tightrope style. There are more! Quality acting and funny sight gags ensure a whopping good time watching this film.

Mabel, Fatty and the Law (1915)

Sheer delight!

[7/10 · 30 March 1999]

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.

The Cannon Ball (1915)

One of Keystone's best!

[7/10 · 17 March 1999]

Ever been chased by a cannon ball? Chester Conklin has. See Chester run! The mayhem begins when a cigarette-smoking Chester arrives with his two assistants to inspect the boom powder co. factory. Boom has just perfected the ultimate cannon ball! All cast members play their parts very well, but Conklin as the shifty woman-chasing inspector stands out prominently above them all. He knew exactly how to portray this part. The special effects are quite interesting for 1915. A cannon ball chases people, a bridge is shot out by a cannon, and fires and explosions rage everywhere. The high standard of acting and the novel special effects make this comedy one of Keystone's best.

Beggars of Life (1928)

Brooks stellar in "Beggars of Life"

[8/10 · 5 March 1999]

"Beggars of Life" is (and I hate to use this word) awesome. Louise Brooks takes command of this photoplay right away and makes it her own. Watch her act with her facial expressions in the scene inside the haystack. Brooks' acting is very subtle and is quite effective. She is in good company with Richard Arlen, always a fine actor, and Wallace Beery, whose portrayal of the complex Oklahoma Red is excellent. The all-male supporting cast is also of high quality. This is a first rate cinematic event with a first rate actress and supporting cast. It is something modern day film audiences should not miss.

Secrets of the Night (1924)

FUN FILM, ESP. ZASU PITTS PERFORMANCE.

[5/10 · 7 February 1999]

SLOW STARTING IN MY OPINION, BUT GATHERS MOMENTUM ONCE WE'RE AT THE HOUSE. I LOVE MADGE BELLAMY, SHE'S A DOLL. ZASU PITTS LIGHTENS THE MOOD WITH COMEDY, ESPECIALLY HER FALL DOWN THE STAIRS WITH A TEA TRAY. SHE SPILLS NOTHING! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS FILM TO OTHER SILENT MOVIE BUFFS.