Seven Chances
Seven Chances

Seven Chances

1925
Movie
56 min
English

Struggling stockbroker Jimmie Shannon learns that, if he gets married by 7 p.m. on his 27th birthday -- which is today -- he'll inherit $7 million from an eccentric relative.

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Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Director: Buster KeatonGenres: Comedy, Romance, Silent Film

Plot Summary

Jimmie Shannon is informed by his lawyer that he will inherit seven million dollars, but only if he marries by 7 PM that very day. With time running out and his fiancée having left him, Jimmie embarks on a frantic, slapstick quest to find a bride, encountering increasingly absurd and chaotic situations. He is pursued by hundreds of determined women, leading to a hilarious and disaster-filled climax.

Critical Reception

Seven Chances is widely considered a masterpiece of silent comedy and a hallmark of Buster Keaton's career. Critics and audiences at the time and retrospectively praised its inventive gags, relentless pacing, and Keaton's signature deadpan performance. While its initial reception was positive, its status as a classic has grown immensely over the decades.

What Reviewers Say

  • A tour-de-force of physical comedy and escalating chaos.
  • Showcases Keaton's brilliance in visual storytelling and comedic timing.
  • An early example of a 'race against time' comedic premise executed perfectly.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Seven Chances' is overwhelmingly positive, with viewers frequently highlighting its inventive humor, thrilling chase sequences, and Buster Keaton's unparalleled comedic genius. The film is often lauded as a timeless classic that remains hilarious and engaging even today.

Fun Fact

The iconic scene where Jimmie is pursued by hundreds of women was filmed over several days, with Keaton having to deal with actual onlookers who joined the crowd, making the filming process more challenging.

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