Anything Once!

Plot

Mabel Normand plays a humble tailor shop assistant who spends her days pressing clothes while dreaming of escaping her mundane existence. The film follows her Cinderella-like journey as she encounters various mishaps and opportunities, including accidentally setting her boss Jimmy Finlayson's toupee on fire, yet surprisingly facing no punishment. Unlike typical employer-employee dynamics of the era, Finlayson's character is portrayed as benevolent rather than tyrannical. Through a series of comedic situations and chance encounters, Mabel's character navigates the challenges of working-class life while holding onto hope for a better future. The narrative culminates in her transformation from a downtrodden laborer to someone who finds unexpected romance and social mobility.

Historical Background

Released in 1927, 'Anything Once!' emerged during a pivotal moment in cinema history as the silent film era was drawing to a close. The Jazz Singer had premiered in October 1927, just months after this film's release, signaling the beginning of the end for silent pictures. This period also saw the film industry grappling with the Hays Code's increasing influence, though enforcement would not become strict until the 1930s. The late 1920s were characterized by the flapper era, women's suffrage achievements, and changing social norms, all of which influenced the film's themes of female aspiration and social mobility. The Great Depression was still two years away, but economic anxiety was already present in American society, making the film's Cinderella story particularly resonant with audiences struggling with financial uncertainty.

Making Of

The production of 'Anything Once!' was marked by both nostalgia and melancholy, as it represented one of Mabel Normand's final opportunities to showcase her comedic genius after a tumultuous career marred by scandal and health problems. Director F. Richard Jones, who had worked with Normand during her glory days at Mack Sennett's studio, reportedly took special care to accommodate her declining health during filming. The set was known for its supportive atmosphere, with cast and crew members showing particular deference to Normand, who had been one of silent comedy's pioneering stars. James Finlayson's casting against type was a deliberate choice by the producers to give the film a fresh twist on familiar comedy tropes. The toupee incident, which became the film's most famous gag, was actually an accident during rehearsal that proved so funny it was incorporated into the final script.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Glen Gano employed typical silent comedy techniques including medium shots for physical comedy and close-ups for emotional moments. The lighting design emphasized the contrast between the drab tailor shop and the more glamorous settings representing Mabel's dreams. Camera movement was minimal, as was standard for the period, but the composition effectively framed the physical comedy sequences. The film's visual style reflected the Hal Roach Studios' house style, which was generally more polished and less frantic than Mack Sennett's earlier comedies.

Innovations

While not technically innovative, 'Anything Once!' demonstrated solid filmmaking craftsmanship typical of Hal Roach Productions' output during this period. The film's editing effectively paced the comedy sequences, and the production values were higher than average for a two-reel comedy. The special effects for the toupee-burning scene were accomplished through practical effects that appeared convincing to contemporary audiences. The film's sound stage work showed the increasing sophistication of studio production techniques as the industry moved toward the sound era.

Music

As a silent film, 'Anything Once!' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. Typical scores for Hal Roach comedies of this period included popular songs of the day, classical pieces, and specially composed mood music. The toupee-burning scene would likely have been accompanied by frantic, comedic music to enhance the humor. No original score recordings survive, as was common with silent films, though reconstruction scores have been created for modern screenings.

Memorable Scenes

• The iconic toupee-burning sequence where Mabel accidentally sets fire to her boss's hairpiece while working, creating a moment of panic followed by unexpected forgiveness. This scene perfectly encapsulates the film's blend of physical comedy and character warmth, becoming the most remembered moment from the picture.

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews praised Mabel Normand's performance as a welcome return to form, with critics noting that despite her personal troubles, her comedic timing remained intact. The Motion Picture News highlighted the film's 'genuine warmth' and 'refreshing lack of cynicism.' Modern film historians view 'Anything Once!' as an important artifact of Normand's legacy, though it's generally considered minor compared to her earlier work with Mack Sennett. Critics have noted the film's historical value in capturing the final moments of a significant comedy career and its role in documenting the transition period in American cinema.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1927 responded positively to the film, particularly appreciating Normand's return to the screen and the chemistry between the cast members. The toupee-burning scene became a talking point among moviegoers and was frequently mentioned in audience letters to film magazines. The film's Cinderella narrative resonated with working-class viewers who identified with the protagonist's struggles and dreams. While it didn't achieve blockbuster status, it performed respectably in urban markets where Normand still had a loyal following. Modern audiences encountering the film through revival screenings and archives often express surprise at Normand's comedic talent and the film's relatively sophisticated approach to character comedy for its era.

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