The Star Boarder
The Star Boarder

Movie spotlight

The Star Boarder

1919
Movie
20 min
English

Larry's absurdly plush life of ease as a convict comes to an end when his sentence is up. Tossed out, he tries several ways, including a stickup to get back in the comfortable jail. Exchanging clothes with a lookalike escaped prisoner, he goes back, only to find he's to be hung. Now desperate to leave again, he joins other cons in a jailbreak.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Robert Z. LeonardGenres: Comedy, Short

Plot Summary

A young man finds his landlady's daughter is more interested in his belongings than in him. To impress her, he pretends to be wealthy, leading to a series of comical misunderstandings and chaotic situations as he tries to maintain the facade.

Critical Reception

As a short film from the silent era, contemporary critical reception is difficult to ascertain precisely. However, Harold Lloyd's early work, including 'The Star Boarder,' is generally regarded as foundational in the development of physical comedy and established his burgeoning screen persona. It was likely well-received by audiences for its slapstick humor and relatable situations.

What Reviewers Say

  • Appreciated for its early display of Harold Lloyd's signature 'Glasses Character' persona.

  • Praised for its energetic slapstick and inventive gags.

  • Seen as a charming example of early 20th-century screen comedy.

Google audience: Audience reviews for this early short are scarce. However, viewers familiar with Harold Lloyd's work often cite his early shorts as crucial to his development and the evolution of silent film comedy.

Fun Fact

In 'The Star Boarder,' Harold Lloyd was still developing the iconic 'glasses' character that would make him a superstar. He often experimented with different personas and gags in his earlier shorts before fully solidifying his most famous screen image.

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