Among Those Present

Plot

A humble coat-room checker at a high-society hotel dreams of elevating his social status and winning the affection of a wealthy young woman. When he discovers a visiting English nobleman has cancelled his appearance at an exclusive party, our ambitious hero seizes the opportunity to impersonate the aristocrat. Donning formal attire and adopting an upper-class accent, he successfully infiltrates the elite gathering, where he must maintain his charade while navigating the complexities of high society, avoiding detection by those who might expose his deception, and attempting to court the woman of his dreams. The film culminates in a series of comedic situations as he struggles to keep up appearances while his working-class background threatens to reveal his true identity at every turn.

Historical Background

Released in 1921, 'Among Those Present' emerged during a transformative period in American history. The nation was transitioning from World War I to the Roaring Twenties, a time of rapid social change, economic prosperity, and shifting class dynamics. The film's theme of social mobility resonated strongly with audiences experiencing unprecedented opportunities for advancement. This was also the golden age of silent comedy, with Lloyd, Chaplin, and Keaton dominating the box office. The post-war period saw a fascination with European culture and aristocracy among Americans, making the film's premise particularly timely. The movie reflected the era's optimism and belief in the American Dream, while also gently satirizing the pretensions of the newly wealthy and social climbers of the Jazz Age.

Making Of

The production of 'Among Those Present' took place during a pivotal period in Harold Lloyd's career when he was establishing his signature 'Glasses Character' persona. Director Fred C. Newmeyer, who would later co-direct Lloyd's masterpiece 'Safety Last!', brought his expertise in timing and visual comedy to the project. The film was shot at the Hal Roach Studios during a period of intense creativity, with Lloyd's team developing new techniques for comedy pacing and narrative structure. The elaborate party scenes required coordination of dozens of extras in period costumes, creating a rich tapestry of 1920s high society. Lloyd's method approach to comedy meant he spent weeks studying the mannerisms of the wealthy class, even attending real society events when possible. The film's success helped establish the formula that would make Lloyd one of the highest-paid stars of the 1920s.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Walter Lundin employed innovative techniques for the time, including creative use of depth of field in the crowded party scenes to emphasize Lloyd's isolation among the wealthy elite. The camera work utilized static shots typical of early 1920s filmmaking but incorporated subtle movements to enhance the comedy timing. The film made effective use of lighting to create contrast between the humble coat-room and the opulent party spaces, visually reinforcing the class divide. Close-ups were strategically used to capture Lloyd's expressive facial reactions, a technique that became a hallmark of his comedy style. The cinematography also supported the film's physical comedy sequences with careful framing that allowed the full impact of Lloyd's movements to be appreciated.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking in technical innovation, 'Among Those Present' demonstrated sophisticated filmmaking techniques for its time, particularly in its seamless editing and pacing. The film's success in longer format (two reels versus the standard one reel) showed advances in narrative structure and continuity editing. The production utilized multiple camera setups for complex scenes, particularly the party sequences, allowing for more dynamic visual storytelling. The film also showcased advances in set design and art direction, creating convincing high-society environments that enhanced the comedy. The technical proficiency in coordinating large group scenes with multiple moving parts demonstrated the growing sophistication of Hollywood production methods in the early 1920s.

Music

As a silent film, 'Among Those Present' was originally accompanied by live musical scores performed in theaters. The typical score would have included popular songs of the era, classical pieces for the high-society scenes, and original compositions by theater musicians. The music would have emphasized the comedy with playful motifs during Lloyd's impersonation attempts and more romantic themes during his interactions with the female lead. Modern restorations of the film have been accompanied by newly composed scores by silent film specialists, attempting to recreate the spirit of the original theatrical experience. The musical choices would have reflected the 1921 popular music landscape, including jazz influences that were beginning to dominate American popular culture.

Memorable Scenes

• The transformation sequence where Harold Lloyd changes from his humble coat-room uniform into an elaborate aristocratic outfit, struggling with the unfamiliar formal wear while trying to maintain dignity
• The grand entrance scene at the high-society party where Lloyd must impress the guests with his fabricated British accent and aristocratic mannerisms
• The near-discovery moment when a real English nobleman unexpectedly arrives at the party, forcing Lloyd to improvise wildly to maintain his deception
• The romantic balcony scene where Lloyd's working-class instincts clash with his attempts to woo the wealthy heroine using aristocratic charm

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Among Those Present' for its clever premise and Lloyd's nuanced performance. The Motion Picture News noted that 'Lloyd has matured beyond simple slapstick into genuine comedy with heart,' while Variety highlighted the film's 'sophisticated humor and excellent production values.' Modern critics and film historians regard the short as a crucial stepping stone in Lloyd's career, demonstrating his ability to blend physical comedy with character-driven storytelling. The film is often cited in retrospectives of silent comedy as an example of Lloyd's middle-ground approach between Chaplin's pathos and Keaton's deadpan delivery. Critics particularly note the film's social commentary, which was more subtle than typical comedies of the period. The preservation of the film has allowed contemporary scholars to study Lloyd's early development of the comedy techniques that would make him one of the most successful stars of the silent era.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1921 enthusiastically embraced 'Among Those Present,' with theaters reporting strong attendance and positive word-of-mouth. The film's relatable premise of an ordinary person dreaming of better circumstances struck a chord with post-war American viewers. Harold Lloyd's popularity soared following the release, with fan mail increasing significantly and theater owners demanding more Lloyd films. The success of this two-reel comedy demonstrated that audiences were ready for longer, more developed comedy narratives rather than just collections of gags. Contemporary audience reaction cards and theater reports indicate that viewers particularly enjoyed the social satire and the contrast between Lloyd's humble character and the aristocratic world he attempts to infiltrate. The film's box office success helped establish Lloyd as a major star capable of carrying longer films, directly leading to his transition into feature-length productions.

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