Bliss

Plot

In this early Harold Lloyd comedy short, a young man pretends to be a European count to impress the woman he loves. The heroine's father becomes completely enamored with the counterfeit title and actively helps the fake count court his daughter, creating numerous comedic situations as the deception unfolds. The impostor must maintain his aristocratic facade while navigating increasingly awkward social encounters and near-exposures of his true identity. As the courtship progresses, the fake count finds himself in deeper trouble when real complications arise from his elaborate ruse. The film culminates in a frantic series of mishaps that threaten to expose the truth before the romance can be properly resolved.

Historical Background

1917 was a pivotal year in American cinema history. The United States had just entered World War I in April, and the film industry was rapidly consolidating in Hollywood. This period saw the transition from short films to features as the dominant form of entertainment, though comedy shorts remained extremely popular. Harold Lloyd was still establishing his star persona, competing with comedy giants like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. The film's theme of counterfeit nobility reflected both American ambivalence toward European aristocracy during wartime and the social mobility fantasies common in American popular culture. The technical limitations of 1917 filmmaking meant that comedy relied heavily on physical humor, expressive acting, and simple, universally understood situations.

Making Of

The production of 'Bliss' took place during a prolific period for Harold Lloyd at Hal Roach Studios, where he was churning out dozens of short comedies annually. Director Alfred J. Goulding worked closely with Lloyd to develop the gags and pacing that would become hallmarks of Lloyd's style. The film was likely shot in just a few days, as was typical for one-reel comedies of the era. Bebe Daniels, who had been working with Lloyd since 1915, was developing her own star power during this period and would soon leave the Roach studio for more substantial roles. The simple premise of a counterfeit count allowed for visual gags involving aristocratic manners and the contrast between supposed nobility and common behavior, a comedic device Lloyd would refine throughout his career.

Visual Style

As a 1917 production, 'Bliss' utilized the basic cinematography techniques of the era. The film was shot in black and white on standard 35mm film with static camera positions typical of early comedy shorts. Lighting would have been primarily natural or basic studio lighting, with minimal camera movement. The visual style emphasized clear framing of physical comedy and facial expressions, crucial for silent film storytelling. The cinematography served the comedy by ensuring that gags and reactions were clearly visible to audiences, following the straightforward approach common in Hal Roach productions of this period.

Innovations

As an early comedy short, 'Bliss' does not feature notable technical innovations but represents the standard production techniques of 1917. The film was likely shot on a single camera with basic editing techniques including cuts and occasional dissolves. The technical aspects served the straightforward presentation of gags and story progression. The film demonstrates the efficient production methods developed by Hal Roach Studios for creating comedy content quickly and economically, a technical achievement in itself that allowed for the high volume of shorts produced during this era.

Music

Like all films of 1917, 'Bliss' was a silent production with no recorded soundtrack. During theatrical exhibition, the film would have been accompanied by live music, typically a piano or organ in smaller theaters or a small orchestra in larger venues. The musical accompaniment would have been selected to match the mood and action of each scene, with upbeat tempo during comedic moments and romantic themes during courtship scenes. Some theaters may have used cue sheets provided by the studio, while others relied on the improvisational skills of their house musicians.

Memorable Scenes

• The scene where the counterfeit count first attempts to display aristocratic manners in front of the heroine's father, resulting in clumsy physical comedy as he struggles to maintain his noble facade while his common instincts keep breaking through.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception for 'Bliss' is difficult to trace due to the limited coverage given to short comedies in 1917 publications. However, trade publications like Variety and Moving Picture World generally gave favorable notices to Harold Lloyd's work during this period. Modern critics and film historians view 'Bliss' primarily as a historical artifact showing Lloyd's early development before he perfected his famous thrill comedy formula. The film is appreciated by silent film enthusiasts for its glimpse into the early work of a comedy master, though it's not considered among his most innovative or entertaining shorts.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1917 responded positively to Harold Lloyd's comedies, which were known for their energetic pace and relatable humor. 'Bliss' would have been received as typical of the light entertainment audiences expected from comedy shorts. The theme of social climbing and mistaken identity was familiar and accessible to contemporary moviegoers. While specific audience reactions to this particular short are not documented, Lloyd's growing popularity during this period suggests that films like 'Bliss' were well-received by the general public and helped build his fan base in the years leading to his superstardom in the 1920s.

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