Movie spotlight
Pimple’s Battle of Waterloo
Fred Evans, aka Pimple, plays Napoleon in the famous scenes from his life - including crossing the (cardboard) Alps - on a pantomime horse - the attempt on his life - by suffragettes - on the way to Paris (via Waterloo station) and the noble General's taking the watch from the sleeping sentry (who of course thinks he is trying to nick his rifle). At the battle, Napoleon (Fred Evans) and Wellington (Joe Evans) toss a coin for the first shot. The French, realising they have forgotten the ammunition, go off to the shops to buy some more. A troop of Boy Scouts charge Napoleon, who, after a chaotic battle, surrenders. He is taken prisoner and sent off in a boat, saying goodbye to France forever (here represented by a cardboard notice saying France on one bank of the Thames). -Bryony Dixon- BFI
Insights
Plot Summary
A comedic retelling of the Battle of Waterloo, featuring the slapstick antics of the character Pimple. Pimple finds himself in the midst of the historical battle, navigating the chaos with his signature physical comedy. The film exaggerates historical events for humorous effect, presenting a lighthearted take on a significant military conflict.
Critical Reception
As a silent short comedy from 1913, contemporary critical reception is not widely documented in detail. However, films featuring 'Pimple' West were generally popular for their physical humor and light entertainment value during the era.
What Reviewers Say
Films of this era starring Billy 'Pimple' West were known for their broad physical comedy and silliness.
The 'Pimple' series offered lighthearted, often absurd, entertainment that appealed to a wide audience.
This short likely provided a humorous, albeit anachronistic, take on historical events.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1913 short film is unavailable due to its age and the nature of its original distribution.
Fun Fact
The character 'Pimple' was a popular comedic persona portrayed by Billy West, known for his exaggerated facial expressions and slapstick routines in early silent films.
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