Movie spotlight
The Goose Hangs High
Having a municipal position, Bernard Ingals has almost bankrupted himself sending his three children to college. The youngsters all arrive home for Christmas Eve, and their parents do their utmost to give them a good time, but the thoughtless and selfish children make other plans and go to a party, leaving their parents to a lonely dinner. A member of the common council arrives at the Ingals home and orders Bernard to reinstate a municipal employee who has been dismissed; Bernard refuses and submits his resignation. The grandmother, a strong-minded old lady, then sets out to put things right: she stakes Bernard to his life-long dream, a greenhouse of his own, and then lectures the children on their thoughtless and profligate ways. The children reform and get jobs, and the goose hangs high at last.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film centers on the escapades of two young men, Billy and Bob, who are struggling to find employment. When they discover a valuable pearl necklace, they decide to pose as wealthy socialites to impress potential employers and women. Their charade leads to a series of comical misunderstandings and chaotic situations as they try to maintain their deception.
Critical Reception
As a silent comedy from the mid-1920s, 'The Goose Hangs High' was likely met with amusement by contemporary audiences. While specific critical reviews from its initial release are scarce, its genre and the active vaudeville and comedic theater scene of the era suggest it was intended as light entertainment. Modern assessments acknowledge its place as a representative example of early Hollywood comedic filmmaking, though it's not typically cited as a landmark achievement in silent cinema.
What Reviewers Say
A lighthearted and often slapstick comedy typical of the silent film era.
Relies on mistaken identity and chaotic situations for its humor.
Features energetic performances from its cast, particularly Charles Murray.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this silent film is not readily available due to its age. However, its genre suggests it would have been appreciated for its simple comedic plots and physical humor.
Fun Fact
The film is based on a 1924 play of the same name by Edward E. Rose.
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