Ask Father
"He's a go-getter who won't take 'no' for an answer!"
Plot
Harold Lloyd portrays a determined young man, known as 'The Boy,' who is desperately seeking to propose to the daughter of a wealthy businessman. His mission is thwarted by a labyrinthine office building guarded by a phalanx of aggressive and clumsy flunkies who forcibly eject anyone attempting to see the boss. After several failed attempts to enter through the front door, Harold resorts to increasingly creative and dangerous methods, including a daring climb up the building's facade. The film culminates in a frantic series of chases and physical gags as Harold navigates the chaotic office environment to reach his goal. Ultimately, he discovers that the 'boss' is not the only obstacle to his romantic aspirations, leading to a classic silent comedy twist ending.
About the Production
The film was produced during a pivotal transition for Harold Lloyd as he moved away from the 'Lonesome Luke' character toward his iconic 'Glasses' persona. Filming took place between July 30 and August 1, 1918, with additional work in mid-August. This was one of the last films Lloyd made before his near-fatal accident with a prop bomb in 1919, which resulted in the loss of his thumb and forefinger. The production utilized the 'Rolin' formula of high-speed slapstick combined with the emerging 'thrill comedy' elements that would later define Lloyd's career.
Historical Background
Released in early 1919, 'Ask Father' arrived just as the United States was emerging from World War I and the 1918 Influenza pandemic. The film reflects the burgeoning 'Roaring Twenties' spirit of ambition and upward mobility. Harold Lloyd's 'Glasses' character was the perfect avatar for this era—unlike Chaplin's tramp or Keaton's stoic, Lloyd's character was an ordinary man who succeeded through sheer persistence and optimism. The setting of a corporate office also mirrored the rapidly industrializing and bureaucratizing American landscape of the time.
Why This Film Matters
'Ask Father' is significant for being one of the definitive one-reelers that established the 'Glasses' character as a major cinematic icon. It helped move film comedy away from the grotesque, exaggerated makeup of the 'Lonesome Luke' era toward a more relatable, modern aesthetic. The film's influence can be seen in the 'thrill comedy' genre, which Lloyd would eventually master. Furthermore, the film's depiction of the 'American Go-Getter' became a template for many comedic protagonists in the decades that followed.
Making Of
During the production of 'Ask Father,' the Hal Roach crew was known for its improvisational style. While a basic script existed, many of the gags involving the office flunkies were developed on the spot to maximize the physical comedy of the space. Lloyd was already beginning to experiment with the 'thrill' elements that would make him famous, insisting on doing his own stunts, including the exterior building climb. The chemistry between Lloyd and Bebe Daniels was a significant draw for audiences, and their off-screen relationship added a layer of genuine charm to their scenes. This film also highlights the transition of the Roach studio from simple slapstick to more sophisticated, character-driven comedy.
Visual Style
The film features standard but effective silent-era cinematography, primarily using static medium shots for dialogue (intertitles) and wider shots for the physical comedy. Notable is the use of 'forced perspective' and clever camera angles during the building climb to make the height appear more perilous than it actually was. The lighting is typical of the 'glass-top' studios of the era, providing bright, even illumination for the office interiors.
Innovations
The film is noted for its sophisticated use of 'prop gags' and the coordination of large-scale physical comedy within a confined office set. The building climb sequence utilized early 'thrill' techniques, including the construction of sets on rooftops to allow for safe but realistic-looking heights against the Los Angeles skyline.
Music
As a silent film, 'Ask Father' originally had no synchronized soundtrack. It was typically accompanied by a live pianist or organist in theaters. Modern restorations often feature scores by silent film composers like Robert Israel or Ben Model, who use upbeat, ragtime-influenced music to match the film's frantic energy.
Famous Quotes
Intertitle: 'The Boy—who has a date with the girl, but first he must Ask Father.'
Memorable Scenes
- The 'Human Fly' sequence where Harold climbs the exterior of the office building to bypass the guards.
- The chaotic office scene where Harold is repeatedly thrown out by a group of identical-looking, clumsy flunkies.
- The final twist where Harold realizes he has been chasing the wrong goal in the office.
Did You Know?
- This film features an early example of Harold Lloyd's 'thrill' sequences, where he climbs the side of a building—a precursor to his famous stunts in 'Safety Last!' (1923).
- Bebe Daniels, who plays the daughter, was Harold Lloyd's real-life romantic partner at the time; they were known as 'The Boy' and 'The Girl.'
- The film was re-released in 1922 by Pathé Exchange to capitalize on Lloyd's growing superstardom.
- Harold Lloyd's character in this film is a 'middle-class go-getter,' a archetype that resonated deeply with American audiences of the post-WWI era.
- The 'Glasses' character was so effective at hiding Lloyd's identity that he could often walk through crowds unrecognized when he took them off.
- The film uses a 'treadmill' effect for some of the chase sequences, a common but effective technical trick of the era.
- Snub Pollard, who plays one of the flunkies, was a staple of the Hal Roach studio and often served as the comic foil to Lloyd.
- The film's title is a play on the traditional social requirement of asking a father's permission for marriage, which Lloyd turns into a literal physical battle.
What Critics Said
At the time of its release, 'Ask Father' was praised for its fast pace and the athletic prowess of Harold Lloyd. Trade journals like 'The Film Daily' noted its high entertainment value and the popularity of the Lloyd-Daniels-Pollard trio. Modern critics view it as a crucial stepping stone in Lloyd's career, showcasing the refinement of his comic timing and the early development of his 'thrill' gags. It is frequently cited by historians as one of the best examples of his early one-reel work.
What Audiences Thought
Audiences in 1919 responded enthusiastically to the film's relatable premise and high-energy gags. Lloyd was becoming a top box-office draw, and 'Ask Father' solidified his status as a rival to Charlie Chaplin. The film's mix of domestic romance and chaotic slapstick made it a favorite in nickelodeons and early movie palaces alike.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- The physical comedy of Mack Sennett
- The 'Go-Getter' philosophy of the early 20th century
- Douglas Fairbanks' athleticism
This Film Influenced
- Safety Last! (1923)
- Feet First (1930)
- Modern Times (1936)
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Film Restoration
The film is well-preserved and has been restored. It is included in various Harold Lloyd collections and is available in high-quality digital formats.