The Clown
The circus clown Joe Higgins is scouted by a world famous artist agent, who promises him fame and fortune. Joe takes the offer on one condition: His fiancèe Daisy and her parents are coming with him. Soon, Joe finds himself performing on the biggest stages in the city, enthralling his audience night after night. But the glamorous life in the big city is no fairy tale after all.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this silent short comedy, a hapless individual attempts to make a living as a clown, leading to a series of chaotic and humorous situations. His efforts to entertain are met with unintended consequences, highlighting the struggles and absurdities of trying to bring laughter to others. The film follows his misadventures as he navigates the world of performance and the challenges of maintaining a cheerful facade.
Critical Reception
As a short silent comedy from 1917, 'The Clown' was likely intended as light entertainment for audiences of the time. Contemporary reviews, if they exist, would have focused on its comedic timing and the performances of its leads. Modern critical reception is limited due to its age and status as a historical piece, but it's generally seen as an example of early cinematic comedy.
What Reviewers Say
- A charming example of early silent film comedy.
- Relies on physical comedy and slapstick gags.
- Offers a glimpse into the entertainment landscape of the early 20th century.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1917 short film is not available.
Fun Fact
Al Christie was a prolific producer and director of silent comedies, known for his studio that focused on popular, lighthearted shorts which were a staple of movie programming in the 1910s and 1920s.
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