Movie spotlight
Seven Slaps
William MacPhab loses seven-pounds in the stock market and decides to slap the man who was responsible for the stock manipulation that caused him to lose his money. Astor Terbanks, the stock-market manipulator is surprised the next day when he gets soundly slapped by MacPhab, and the latter promises to deliver one more a day for the next six days. Terbank's daughter, Daisy, is amused by the procedure and is attracted to MacPhab.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man who is a "mama's boy" wants to prove his manhood by going out west to find adventure and possibly a bride. He quickly finds himself embroiled in a series of comical misunderstandings and romantic entanglements.
Critical Reception
Seven Slaps was a modest comedy that received a generally positive, though not outstanding, reception for its lighthearted entertainment value and escapist qualities during its release. Critics at the time often cited its predictable but amusing plot and the performances of its cast as highlights.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its lighthearted and amusing comedic situations.
Found to be an enjoyable, albeit formulaic, romantic comedy.
William Tracy's performance as the naive protagonist was often highlighted.
Google audience: Audience reception data for "Seven Slaps" from 1937 is not readily available through modern Google review platforms. However, contemporary reviews suggest it was viewed as a pleasant and amusing distraction.
Fun Fact
Director Edward F. Cline was a prolific filmmaker known for his work in comedy, having directed numerous films for Universal Pictures and Paramount throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
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