Movie spotlight
Matchin' Jim
Matchin' Jim comes to the "Flying A" ranch and is employed as one of its cowboys. His name is well justified, as he has a mania for matching coins. Not far from the ranch lives Ellings, an old placer miner. He has a daughter, Phyllis, whose sole delight in life seems to be in caring for a puny rose bush that she has planted at the side of her father's cabin. By diligent nursing she has managed to bring it to such a stage that it produces a single blossom. As Matchin' Jim is wandering near the cabin one day, hunting, a wild shot from his gun narrowly misses Phyllis and cuts from the rose bush its one lone flower. She calls to Jim, and when he comes to her she points out the damage that he has done. But Jim only grins and tells her that he'll match her to see whether she is going to be mad at him or not.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this silent short, a young man named Jim attempts to navigate the complexities of courtship with the help of a friend. The film follows his humorous endeavors to impress his love interest, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and awkward situations. Ultimately, Jim learns a thing or two about romance through his trial-and-error approach.
Critical Reception
As a silent short from 1916, specific critical reviews are scarce. However, films from this era featuring Florence Turner, a prominent actress of the time, were generally well-received for their lighthearted entertainment value and the performances of their stars. This short likely contributed to the popular cinema offerings of its day, appealing to audiences seeking simple comedic narratives.
What Reviewers Say
A charming, albeit brief, silent comedy.
Showcases the comedic timing and charm of its lead actors.
A typical example of light entertainment from the early silent film era.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1916 silent short is not available.
Fun Fact
Florence Turner, who starred in "Matchin' Jim," was one of the first American film actresses to achieve international stardom, particularly in Britain, where she was known as 'The American Colleen'.
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