Movie spotlight
Struck Oil
John Stofel goes off to fight in the Civil War, in the place of a deacon who gives him the title deed of a farm. John returns from the war wounded and insane. Oil is discovered on the farm and the deacon tries to take the land back.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this silent comedy short, a young man (Harold Lloyd) goes to work in an oil field and experiences a series of comical mishaps. He navigates the challenges of the job, interacts with quirky characters, and tries to make his fortune.
Critical Reception
As a short silent comedy from 1919, 'Struck Oil' received immediate, albeit brief, distribution and attention. Contemporary reviews would have focused on its comedic timing and gags, typical for Harold Lloyd's early work. Modern critical reception is more historical, acknowledging it as part of Lloyd's prolific output before his more famous features.
What Reviewers Say
Amusing early Harold Lloyd vehicle showcasing his signature physical comedy.
A brief, energetic silent short with typical gags of the era.
Represents a standard entry in Lloyd's prolific output of shorts.
Google audience: Audience reception for this film is largely historical, with modern viewers appreciating it as an example of early silent comedy and Harold Lloyd's developing comedic style.
Fun Fact
This short film was part of Harold Lloyd's prolific output for Pathe, where he made numerous short comedies before achieving feature-length stardom.
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