A Gasoline Wedding

Plot

In this Harold Lloyd comedy short, a wealthy young woman (Bebe Daniels) finds herself pursued by numerous suitors, much to her father's consternation. The father, eager to see his daughter married off, secretly arranges a marriage without her knowledge or consent. Harold Lloyd's character becomes entangled in this romantic chaos, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and mishaps. The film culminates in a frantic chase sequence involving automobiles, which was a recurring element in Lloyd's early comedies. The title 'A Gasoline Wedding' refers to the pivotal role that automobiles play in the resolution of the romantic complications.

Historical Background

1918 was a pivotal year in world history, marked by the final months of World War I and the devastating Spanish flu pandemic that would kill millions worldwide. The film industry, like all sectors of society, was deeply affected by these events. Many male actors and crew members had been drafted into military service, while the pandemic caused theater closures and disrupted film releases. Despite these challenges, the film industry continued to grow, with Hollywood establishing itself as the center of American film production. This period also saw the transition from short films to feature-length productions becoming more common, though comedy shorts like this one remained popular with audiences. The novelty of automobiles in everyday life provided filmmakers with fresh material for comedy and spectacle, reflecting the rapid technological and social changes occurring in American society.

Making Of

The production of 'A Gasoline Wedding' followed the typical Hal Roach Studios model of rapid, efficient filmmaking. Harold Lloyd was already developing his reputation as a meticulous planner of physical comedy sequences, often spending considerable time choreographing stunts and gags. The film was shot on location in Los Angeles, taking advantage of the area's growing infrastructure and relatively new paved roads, which were essential for the automobile sequences. Bebe Daniels, though only 19 at the time, was already a veteran performer with dozens of films to her credit. The collaboration between Lloyd and Daniels was particularly fruitful, with their on-screen chemistry contributing significantly to the success of their joint productions during this period.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'A Gasoline Wedding' was typical of Hal Roach Studios productions of the period, utilizing the relatively static camera techniques common in 1918. However, the film includes some dynamic shots during the automobile sequences, which required careful planning and coordination to capture the moving vehicles effectively. The cinematographer employed wider shots for the chase scenes to ensure the action was clearly visible to audiences. The film was shot in black and white on 35mm film, with the standard aspect ratio of the era (1.33:1). Lighting techniques were basic by modern standards but effective for the outdoor sequences that dominated the film.

Innovations

While 'A Gasoline Wedding' was not a groundbreaking technical achievement, it demonstrated the growing sophistication of chase sequences in comedy films. The coordination of multiple automobiles in motion required careful planning and execution, representing the increasing complexity of stunt work in silent comedies. The film also showcases the early use of location shooting for automobile sequences, taking advantage of Los Angeles' developing road infrastructure. The editing techniques, while simple by modern standards, effectively maintained the pace of the comedy and ensured clear storytelling through visual means alone.

Music

As a silent film, 'A Gasoline Wedding' had no recorded soundtrack. The musical accompaniment would have been provided live in theaters, typically by a pianist or organist for smaller venues or a full orchestra in larger movie palaces. The score would have been compiled from existing classical pieces and popular songs of the era, with specific musical cues matched to the on-screen action. Comedic moments would have been accompanied by lively, upbeat music, while romantic scenes featured more tender melodies. The speed and tempo of the music would have been adjusted to match the pacing of the film, particularly during the chase sequences.

Memorable Scenes

• The climactic automobile chase sequence, which serves as the film's centerpiece and provides the justification for its title, featuring multiple vehicles in a frantic pursuit through the streets of Los Angeles.

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of 'A Gasoline Wedding' were generally positive, with critics praising Harold Lloyd's energetic performance and the film's clever use of automobile-related gags. The Motion Picture News noted the film's 'laugh-provoking situations' and recommended it for theater programmers. Modern assessments of the film place it within the context of Lloyd's early work, recognizing it as a solid example of his developing style before the creation of his iconic 'Glasses Character.' While not considered among Lloyd's masterpieces, film historians value the short for its documentation of early automotive comedy and its role in the development of American silent comedy traditions.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1918 responded positively to 'A Gasoline Wedding,' finding humor in the familiar situation of arranged marriages combined with the novelty of automobile-based comedy. The film's fast pace and physical gags appealed to wartime audiences seeking entertainment and distraction from the grim realities of the ongoing world conflict and pandemic. Harold Lloyd's growing popularity ensured good attendance for his releases, and the pairing with Bebe Daniels was a proven box-office combination. The film's relatively short length (11 minutes) made it ideal for the varied programming formats of the era, where it might be shown as part of a mixed bill with newsreels, other shorts, and occasionally a feature presentation.

You Might Also Like