All Aboard
Plot
In this Harold Lloyd comedy short, a protective father decides to take his daughter away to Bermuda to escape her numerous suitors. Harold Lloyd's character, determined not to be separated from his beloved, cleverly stows away aboard the ship bound for Bermuda. When discovered by the ship's crew, Harold manages to turn the situation to his advantage by accidentally catching a thief who had been causing trouble on board. His heroic act earns him both a monetary reward and the approval of the girl's father, ultimately winning him the girl's hand. The film showcases Lloyd's trademark comedic timing and physical gags as he navigates the challenges of being a stowaway on a transatlantic voyage.
About the Production
This was one of Harold Lloyd's early short comedies produced during his transition from his earlier 'Lonesome Luke' character to his famous 'Glasses Character.' The film was shot on a relatively modest budget typical of comedy shorts of the era, with ship scenes likely filmed using sets and backlot locations rather than actual ocean voyages.
Historical Background
1917 was a significant year in world history, with the United States entering World War I in April. Despite the global conflict, the American film industry was experiencing tremendous growth, with Hollywood establishing itself as the center of global film production. Silent comedies were particularly popular during this period, with stars like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd becoming cultural icons. The film industry was also transitioning from short films to longer features, though comedy shorts remained popular programming for theaters. 'All Aboard' was released during this transitional period when Lloyd was perfecting the character that would make him one of the most successful and highest-paid stars of the 1920s.
Why This Film Matters
While 'All Aboard' itself was not a groundbreaking film, it represents an important step in Harold Lloyd's development as a comedy star and the evolution of American film comedy. The film exemplifies the early short comedy format that dominated American cinema before the feature film became standard. Lloyd's 'Glasses Character' embodied the American everyman striving for success and love, a theme that resonated strongly with audiences during this period of social change and upward mobility. The film also reflects the romantic comedy formulas that would become staples of Hollywood cinema for decades to come.
Making Of
The production of 'All Aboard' took place during a pivotal time in Harold Lloyd's career as he was transitioning away from his earlier 'Lonesome Luke' character persona. Director Alfred J. Goulding, who had a background in vaudeville, brought a physical comedy sensibility that complemented Lloyd's developing style. The ship sequences were likely filmed on studio sets using painted backdrops and minimal props, as was common for productions of this scale and budget. Bebe Daniels and Harold Lloyd had developed strong on-screen chemistry through their previous collaborations, which helped sell the romantic elements of the story. The film was shot quickly, as was typical for comedy shorts of this era, often being completed in just a few days of filming.
Visual Style
The cinematography in 'All Aboard' was typical of comedy shorts from 1917, featuring straightforward camera work designed primarily to clearly capture the physical gags and action. The ship sequences would have used basic camera setups with limited movement, as mobile camera techniques were still in early development. Lighting would have been relatively flat to ensure visibility of the performers' expressions and movements, which were crucial for silent comedy.
Innovations
While 'All Aboard' does not feature any notable technical innovations, it represents the standard production techniques and quality of American comedy shorts in 1917. The film would have been shot on 35mm film with the cameras and equipment available at the time. The ship scenes demonstrate the set design and special effects capabilities of the era, likely using painted backdrops and simple props to create the illusion of ocean travel.
Music
As a silent film, 'All Aboard' would have been accompanied by live musical performance in theaters. The specific musical score is not documented, but typical accompaniment for comedy shorts of this era would have included popular songs of the period, classical pieces adapted for comedic effect, and improvisational piano or organ music that emphasized the on-screen action and emotional beats.
Famous Quotes
As a silent film, dialogue was conveyed through intertitles and physical expression rather than spoken quotes.
Memorable Scenes
- The sequence where Harold Lloyd's character attempts to hide as a stowaway on the ship, utilizing various comedic hiding places and narrowly avoiding discovery by the crew members. This scene showcases Lloyd's physical comedy skills and ability to generate humor from confined spaces and near-miss situations.
Did You Know?
- This film was released during Harold Lloyd's breakthrough period when he was establishing his signature 'Glasses Character' that would make him one of the most popular comedians of the silent era.
- Director Alfred J. Goulding directed numerous Harold Lloyd shorts during this period, helping shape Lloyd's early comedic style.
- Bebe Daniels, who plays the female lead, was a frequent co-star with Lloyd in these early years before moving on to a successful career as a leading lady in both silent and sound films.
- The film was produced by the Roland Film Company, one of several production companies Lloyd worked with before establishing his own production company.
- Like many shorts of this era, 'All Aboard' was likely released as part of a program with other short films rather than as a standalone feature.
- The ship setting was a common trope in early comedy shorts, providing opportunities for physical gags and confined space comedy.
- This film represents an early example of the 'boy wins girl against obstacles' formula that would become a staple of romantic comedy films.
- The Bermuda destination mentioned in the plot was an exotic locale that would have seemed adventurous and glamorous to 1917 audiences.
What Critics Said
Contemporary reviews of 'All Aboard' are scarce, as short comedies of this era received limited critical attention in trade publications. However, Harold Lloyd's films of this period were generally well-received by audiences and exhibitors. Modern film historians view these early Lloyd shorts as important developmental works showing the evolution of his comedic style and screen persona. The film is considered typical of Lloyd's early work before he achieved the greater sophistication and technical innovation of his later features.
What Audiences Thought
Like most of Harold Lloyd's short comedies from this period, 'All Aboard' was likely popular with audiences of the time. Lloyd was building a substantial fan base through his regular appearances in comedy shorts, and his relatable 'Glasses Character' appealed to a broad cross-section of American moviegoers. The film's mix of physical comedy, romance, and adventure would have provided the entertainment value audiences expected from a comedy short of this era.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Vaudeville comedy traditions
- Earlier slapstick comedies by Mack Sennett
- Charlie Chaplin's early short films
This Film Influenced
- Later Harold Lloyd comedies featuring similar romantic pursuit themes
- Subsequent comedy shorts with travel and stowaway elements
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Film Restoration
The preservation status of 'All Aboard' (1917) is unclear, as many Harold Lloyd shorts from this period have survived through various archives and collections, while others remain lost or exist only in incomplete form. The Harold Lloyd Estate has preserved many of his films, but documentation on the specific survival status of this particular short is limited.