

Movie spotlight
Folly of Vanity
This drama had two directors: Maurice Elvey handled most of the film, but the fantasy sequence was directed by Henry Otto. Newlyweds Alice and Robert are already having differences over money. He gets angry at her extravagances, especially when she spends more than they can afford on an imitation pearl necklace. Ridgeway, a client of Robert's, invites the couple to a party. Robert wants to decline, but Alice insists that they go. Ridgeway loans Alice a real pearl necklace, to "restore their lustre," and everyone heads for his yacht. Ridgeway pays Alice a lot of attention, while a young widow tries to vamp Robert.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this silent short film, W.C. Fields plays a dentist who is infatuated with a beautiful young woman. He attempts to win her affection through various comedic schemes, often involving his dental practice and the misunderstandings that arise from his clumsy attempts at romance. The film culminates in a series of chaotic and humorous events that highlight Fields's signature comedic style.
Critical Reception
As an early silent short, "Folly of Vanity" is primarily of historical interest, showcasing W.C. Fields's nascent comedic talent before his more famous feature film roles. Contemporary reviews, if they exist, are scarce, but later analyses often point to its charm as an example of early cinematic comedy and Fields's unique persona. The film is generally viewed as a minor but enjoyable piece in his filmography.
What Reviewers Say
A charming early example of W.C. Fields's distinctive comedic approach.
Showcases the physical comedy and character quirks that would define Fields's career.
Valuable for its historical context within early silent film comedy.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific silent short film is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize audience sentiment.
Fun Fact
This film is notable for featuring W.C. Fields in a rare leading role in a silent short film, and it was also one of the few films where he took on directorial duties, though this is sometimes disputed by film historians.
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