
Movie spotlight
Nothing Doing
Charley asks for his girlfriend's hand in marriage, but her father, the police chief, angrily refuses to allow her to marry anyone who is not himself a policeman. Charley then decides to join the police force, so that he can win her. But when he applies, he is rejected because he is too small. Charley doesn't give up, and he soon thinks of a way to avoid the size restriction - but simply joining the force is only the first challenge that he has to face.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this silent comedy short, a wealthy gentleman is eager to impress his socialite girlfriend by pretending to be an accomplished horseman. He enlists the help of a stable hand to teach him the basics, but his attempts at equestrianism are comically disastrous. The film follows his escalating blunders as he tries to maintain the illusion, leading to a chaotic and humorous conclusion.
Critical Reception
As a short silent comedy from the silent era, "Nothing Doing" is primarily remembered for its slapstick humor and the comedic performances of its cast, particularly Gale Henry. While not a major cinematic landmark, it represents a typical example of the lighthearted entertainment produced during the period.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its lighthearted slapstick and physical comedy.
Gale Henry's performance is noted for its comedic timing.
A charming example of early short film comedy.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for "Nothing Doing" (1927) is not readily available due to its age and the nature of silent film distribution and archiving.
Fun Fact
Gale Henry, who starred in and directed "Nothing Doing," was known for playing male characters in many of her comedic shorts, a practice that added to their unique appeal and humor.
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