Beating the Game
Professional safecracker Fancy Charlie breaks into the apartment of G.B. Lawson, a criminologist, and mistakenly believes that he has robbed a fellow safecracker. Out of "professional courtesy" he informs Lawson of what he has done. Instead of calling the police, Lawson--who believes in the philosophy of "honor among thieves"--makes a deal with Charlie: to show Charlie that it's actually more profitable to be a legitimate businessman then a crook, he'll give Charlie some money if Charlie will use it to establish a legitimate business in the small town of Plumfield, and at the end of a year they will divide up whatever profits Charlie is able to make honestly. Charlie agrees, but soon discovers that things aren't going to be quite as easy as he thought.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young socialite, eager to escape his overbearing mother and an arranged marriage, poses as a struggling writer. He falls for a charming woman he meets at a dance, unaware that she is the daughter of a wealthy businessman who controls his family's fortune. Their budding romance is complicated by societal expectations and the pursuit of his intended bride.
Critical Reception
Information on the critical reception of 'Beating the Game' from 1921 is scarce due to the passage of time and the nature of film archives. Contemporary reviews would have likely focused on its comedic elements and the performances of its stars, typical for films of the silent era. Audience reception is also difficult to ascertain precisely.
What Reviewers Say
- Contemporary reviews, where available, likely noted the film's lighthearted comedic tone.
- The performances of Reginald Denny and Lois Wilson were probably highlighted for their charm.
- The plot would have been seen as a typical romantic comedy of the era, focusing on social maneuvering and mistaken identity.
Google audience: Due to the film's age, specific audience review data from Google is not available.
Fun Fact
Victor Schertzinger, the director of 'Beating the Game,' was also a prolific composer, writing the music for many of his films, including some of the earliest musical features.
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