Broke in China

Plot

Donald Drake, a deep sea gondolier and former soda jerk, arrives penniless at the All Nation Cafe in Shanghai. The cafe proprietor, initially dismissive of Drake as just another broke American, changes his tune when Drake unexpectedly comes into a small fortune. The proprietor then orders two of his American 'good time girls,' Maud and Mollie, who are working their way around the world, to entice Drake into spending all his money at the establishment. As Donald becomes increasingly comfortable with the women, he recounts his life story, particularly lamenting the blonde woman he let slip away - the true love of his life. The story takes an unexpected turn when revelations about his past and an errant coin left at the roulette table dramatically alter Donald's circumstances, leading to a surprising resolution to his romantic and financial troubles.

Historical Background

The year 1927 was a pivotal moment in cinema history, representing the peak of silent film artistry just before the sound revolution would forever change the industry. 'Broke in China' was released in March 1927, months before 'The Jazz Singer' would premiere in October and effectively end the silent era. The film reflects the Roaring Twenties' fascination with exotic locales and international adventure, while also embodying the carefree, hedonistic spirit of the decade. Shanghai in particular held a special place in the Western imagination during this period, representing both danger and opportunity. The film's depiction of Americans abroad also resonated with the increasing international travel and cultural exchange of the 1920s. This was also the era when comedy was establishing itself as a dominant genre, with stars like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd achieving unprecedented fame.

Making Of

Behind the scenes, 'Broke in China' was typical of Mack Sennett's efficient comedy production system. Edward F. Cline, the director, was a seasoned comedy veteran who understood how to maximize laughs with minimal resources. Ben Turpin, despite his distinctive appearance, was a professional who could deliver consistent comedic performances. The film's exotic Shanghai setting was created entirely on studio backlots using painted backdrops and set pieces, a common practice of the era. The 'good time girls' characters played by Louise Carver and Alice Belcher would have been carefully choreographed to balance risqué elements with the censorship standards of the time. The roulette table scene, central to the plot's resolution, would have required precise timing and coordination to achieve the desired comedic effect.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Broke in China' would have followed standard practices for two-reel comedy shorts of the era. The camera work would have been functional rather than artistic, focusing primarily on clearly capturing the physical comedy and facial expressions of the performers. The Shanghai setting would have been enhanced through careful set design and lighting rather than sophisticated camera techniques. Long shots would establish the exotic cafe setting, while medium shots and close-ups would highlight the comedic performances, particularly Ben Turpin's distinctive expressions. The film would have been shot on black and white film stock, with lighting designed to create dramatic shadows and highlights that enhanced the visual comedy. The roulette table scene might have featured more dynamic camera movement to build tension during the gambling sequence.

Innovations

As a standard two-reel comedy from the Mack Sennett studio, 'Broke in China' did not feature significant technical innovations. The film utilized established silent era technology and techniques that had been refined over the previous decade. The production would have employed standard 35mm film and cameras of the period. The creation of the Shanghai setting on studio backlots demonstrated the成熟的 set construction techniques of major studios. The film's technical aspects were focused on efficiency and reliability rather than experimentation. The editing would have followed continuity editing principles that had become standard by the mid-1920s, with cuts designed to maximize comedic timing. The lighting techniques would have balanced the need for adequate illumination with the creation of atmosphere appropriate to the exotic setting.

Music

As a silent film, 'Broke in China' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its theatrical run. The typical accompaniment would have been a piano or small orchestra in larger theaters, playing a compilation of popular songs and classical pieces appropriate to the on-screen action. The exotic Shanghai setting would have prompted the use of oriental-themed musical motifs, while the comedy sequences would have been underscored with lively, upbeat music. The romantic elements would have been supported by sentimental melodies of the period. The score would have been compiled from standard photoplay music libraries rather than being specifically composed for this short subject. The tempo and volume of the music would have been carefully coordinated with the visual action to enhance the comedic timing and emotional impact.

Memorable Scenes

• The climactic roulette table scene where Donald's errant coin changes his fortune, the opening sequence introducing Donald Drake as the deep sea gondolier arriving at the All Nation Cafe, the moments when Maud and Mollie attempt to charm Donald into spending his money, Donald's heartfelt confession about the blonde who got away

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception for short comedy subjects like 'Broke in China' was typically limited to trade publications and local newspapers. Reviews generally focused on the effectiveness of the gags and the performance of the stars. Ben Turpin's work was usually well-received by audiences and critics alike, with his crossed-eye shtick remaining popular throughout the silent era. The film would have been judged primarily on its entertainment value and ability to elicit laughs, rather than artistic merit. Modern critical assessment is complicated by the film's rarity, as many Sennett shorts have been lost or are difficult to access. When available, such films are now studied as examples of late silent comedy and the work of specific performers and directors rather than as standalone artistic achievements.

What Audiences Thought

Audience reception for 'Broke in China' would have been positive among fans of short comedy subjects, which were extremely popular in the 1920s. Ben Turpin was a reliable box office draw for short films, and his distinctive appearance and comedic timing were consistently appreciated by moviegoers. The film's exotic setting and romantic elements would have added variety to the typical slapstick fare. The 20-minute runtime was ideal for theater programming, allowing theaters to show the short before a main feature. Audiences of the era were accustomed to the rapid pacing and visual gags of silent comedy, and this film would have met their expectations. The combination of physical comedy, exotic location, and romantic storyline would have provided satisfying entertainment for the typical moviegoing audience of 1927.

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