Movie spotlight
Patouillard crieur de journaux
Paul Berthos can use some money, so he gets a job as a news boy; you know, those kids who would stand about street corners in old movies, brandishing a newspaper, shouting "Wuxtry! Wuxtry!" and waiting for a car to run them over.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short silent comedy follows the misadventures of Patouillard, a newspaper crier whose attempts to hawk his papers lead to escalating chaos. He inadvertently causes a series of comical disruptions in the city, much to the chagrin of those around him. The film culminates in a whirlwind of slapstick events that highlight Patouillard's unintended knack for creating pandemonium.
Critical Reception
As a very early silent comedy, 'Patouillard crieur de journaux' is primarily of historical interest for its place in the development of cinematic humor. Contemporary reception would have focused on its slapstick gags and the performance of its lead. Modern critical assessment views it as a charming, albeit simple, example of early French comedic filmmaking.
What Reviewers Say
A brief and amusing silent short showcasing early slapstick.
Relies on simple visual gags and the energy of its lead actor.
Historically significant as an example of early 20th-century French comedy.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this extremely early film is not available.
Fun Fact
This film features the popular French comedian Max Linder in an early role, though Charles Prince is credited as the director and star.
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