His New Stenographer
His New Stenographer

Movie spotlight

His New Stenographer

1928
Movie
20 min
English

Billy Brooks, a lawyer, sets out to get a divorce for a client by framing him in a compromising situation. But the scheme goes askew when the client's wife gets a job as Billy's new stenographer and he, not knowing who she is, selects her as the correspondent to frame her own husband.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Leo McCareyGenres: Comedy, Short

Plot Summary

A hapless office worker, played by Charley Chase, struggles with his new, attractive stenographer, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. The new employee's presence disrupts the office dynamics, causing confusion and embarrassment for the protagonist. The short film culminates in a chaotic series of events stemming from misunderstandings and the protagonist's attempts to manage the situation.

Critical Reception

As a silent short comedy from the late silent era, 'His New Stenographer' was generally well-received by audiences of its time for its slapstick humor and the comedic timing of Charley Chase. Contemporary reviews often highlighted Chase's ability to generate laughs through physical comedy and relatable, albeit exaggerated, workplace scenarios. It is considered a solid example of the Hal Roach studio's output during this period.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Charley Chase's signature physical comedy and relatable workplace humor.

  • A typical, well-executed silent short from the Hal Roach studio.

  • Effective in generating laughs through escalating comedic chaos.

Google audience: Audience reception data for short silent films from this era is scarce, but contemporary viewers likely appreciated the lighthearted comedy and the performance of Charley Chase, a popular comedic actor of the time.

Fun Fact

Charley Chase was one of the most prolific and talented comedic actors and directors at Hal Roach Studios, often seen as a rival to Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd for his unique brand of intelligent, character-driven comedy.

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