The Old Actor
An elderly actor who lives with his wife and daughter is dismissed from his acting job because he is considered too old. On his way home from the theatre he panics at the thought of telling his family the bad news and decides to disguise himself as a beggar. His daughter's beau accidentally gives him a five dollar gold piece, thinking that it was a smaller coin. A chase ensues with a policeman, the daughter, and her beau in hot pursuit. When caught he is recognized by his shocked daughter, but is quickly forgiven by all. Meanwhile the actor hired to replace him has already been fired and a messenger is dispatched to rehire the Old Actor to the delight of his wife, daughter, and fellow actors.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short silent comedy features Larry Semon as an aging actor who dreams of a triumphant return to the stage. He encounters various mishaps and humorous situations as he tries to relive his glory days, often with exaggerated physical comedy and slapstick.
Critical Reception
As a silent short from 1912, specific critical reviews from the time are scarce and difficult to access. However, Larry Semon's shorts were generally popular for their broad humor and slapstick, appealing to a wide audience of the era.
What Reviewers Say
- Relied heavily on physical comedy and visual gags.
- Typical of early silent film humor, emphasizing slapstick.
- Showcased Larry Semon's signature energetic performance style.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific short film from 1912 is not available.
Fun Fact
Larry Semon was known for his incredibly elaborate and often dangerous stunts, which were a hallmark of his comedy films during the silent era.
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