Special Delivery
The second and last of Eddie Cantor's silent vehicles, Special Delivery casts the wide-eyed comedian as a hapless mailman. While going through his swiftly appointed rounds, Eddie stumbles upon a gang of crooks who are planning a large-scale confidence scam. He exposes the villains and wins the love of heroine Madge (Jobyna Ralston). Though Cantor was a fine physical comic, he didn't truly score in films until the arrival of talkies allowed his fans to hear as well as see him. Special Delivery was directed by "William Goodrich," who in reality was comedian Fatty Arbuckle, hoping to stage a comeback after the sex scandal that destroyed his career.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young mailman, desperate for money to pay off a debt, attempts to deliver a valuable package while evading gangsters who also want the contents. He navigates a series of comical mishaps and close calls as he tries to complete his dangerous delivery before time runs out.
Critical Reception
As a silent short film from 1927, 'Special Delivery' received moderate attention primarily for its comedic performances and fast-paced plot. It's often cited as an example of the popular comedies of its era, showcasing the emerging talents of its lead actor.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its energetic slapstick comedy and Eddie Cantor's signature performance.
- Appreciated for its simple, engaging plot that keeps viewers entertained.
- Seen as a charming example of early Hollywood comedic filmmaking.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this early silent short film is largely unavailable through modern review aggregation platforms.
Fun Fact
Eddie Cantor, known for his energetic stage and screen presence, performed many of his own stunts in this film, including a sequence involving a runaway laundry truck.
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