Goodness Gracious
Clara Kimball Young, batting her eyelashes even faster than Bernadette Peters, plays Gwendoline, an innocent(?) heroine who seeks a livelihood in the big city. She's briefly employed in a 'bucket shop' (a crooked brokerage house) and arouses the attention of a moustache-twirling top-hatted villain (played by her real-life husband James Young). After temporarily escaping his clutches, she finds gainful employment in the firm of a dry-goods millionaire (James Lackaye). The millionaire's youthful son Cornelius (played by Sidney Drew, well into middle age) falls in love with her ... but his father disapproves of their marriage, and he cuts off Cornelius with only a shilling (24 cents, it says here in the titles). The villain arrives, murders Gwendoline's employer (just temporarily, mind you) and frames Cornelius for the crime. Will true love triumph?
Insights
Plot Summary
This silent short film features Marie Dressler as a woman who constantly finds herself in comical predicaments. The plot revolves around her misadventures and the humorous situations that arise from her attempts to navigate everyday life. It showcases Dressler's signature comedic timing and physical comedy, characteristic of early silent films.
Critical Reception
As a silent short from 1914, contemporary critical reception is scarce and not widely documented in modern databases. However, Marie Dressler was a major star at the time, known for her comedic prowess, suggesting the film was likely received as a lighthearted entertainment piece for its era.
What Reviewers Say
- Early silent comedy showcasing a popular star.
- Relies on physical humor and comedic situations.
- A brief, lighthearted entertainment piece from its time.
Google audience: Due to the age and nature of the film as a silent short, there is no available information on Google user reviews or specific audience feedback for 'Goodness Gracious'.
Fun Fact
Marie Dressler, a celebrated stage and screen actress, was one of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood during the silent film era, known for her distinctive comedic persona.
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