Movie spotlight
Some Duel
Grace, daughter of Jim Jordan, a ranch owner, has just returned from school, and Tom, leader of the Lazy S cowboy outfit, and Centiped Pete, leader of a rival cowboy outfit, fall in love with the girl. They both attire themselves in their best bib and tucker, and head for Grace's home. En route, they stop to settle a strenuous argument, and before the argument is ended, the cowboys of the rival ranches become involved in a free-for-all.
Insights
Plot Summary
A comedic short film that satirizes the conventions of Western duels. The plot follows a timid protagonist who finds himself in a duel he is utterly unprepared for, leading to a series of comical mishaps and an unexpected resolution.
Critical Reception
As a silent short from 1916, "Some Duel" is primarily of historical interest, showcasing early comedic filmmaking and Maurice Tourneur's directorial skill. Contemporary reviews, if they existed in a widely accessible format, would likely have focused on its entertainment value and slapstick humor, common for the era.
What Reviewers Say
Early example of comedic Western tropes.
Showcases silent film slapstick.
Demonstrates Tourneur's early directorial versatility.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this extremely early short film is not available.
Fun Fact
Maurice Tourneur was a prolific and influential director in early Hollywood, known for his visually striking films and for mentoring other directors, including his son, Jacques Tourneur.
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