A Dash of Courage
A Dash of Courage

A Dash of Courage

1916Movie20 minEnglish

A band of crooks, headed by Harry Gribbon, are on a train when they learn of a telegram sent to a fellow passenger, who is a police commissioner. The wire identifies him as official collector for the Old Cops' Home. A little chloroform does for him and when the train pulls out of his destination he is still on board while Gribbon is posing as the commissioner-collector.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Harry A. PollardGenres: Comedy, Short

Plot Summary

This short silent comedy follows a timid bank clerk who, despite his anxieties, finds himself in a series of increasingly daring situations. He attempts to impress a young woman by pretending to be a brave adventurer, leading to a whirlwind of misunderstandings and slapstick humor as he narrowly avoids peril.

Critical Reception

As a short silent film from 1916, "A Dash of Courage" is primarily evaluated through its historical context and its place within early cinematic comedy. Contemporary reviews, if available, would likely have focused on its comedic timing, the performances of its cast, and its overall entertainment value for a general audience of the era. Modern critical analysis would view it as an example of early slapstick and a testament to the enduring appeal of underdog stories.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film is a charming example of early silent screen comedy.
  • Edward "Eddie" Polo's performance as the timid clerk is a highlight, balancing nervousness with comedic bravery.
  • Its simple, relatable premise and fast-paced gags made it an effective piece of entertainment for its time.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this early silent film is not readily available through modern platforms like Google reviews. However, its status as a popular short film of its era suggests it was well-received by contemporary audiences for its lighthearted humor and straightforward storytelling.

Fun Fact

Edward "Eddie" Polo, who starred in this film, was known for his daredevil stunts and physical comedy, often performing many of his own stunts in his films, a trait that made him a popular figure in early cinema.

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