Double Trouble
"A Comedy of Dual Personality"
Plot
Florian Amidon, a shy and timid banker from a small town, is accidentally struck on the head during a business trip and develops a case of amnesia, leading to a complete personality split. For five years, he lives as Eugene Brassfield, a bold, charismatic, and highly successful oil tycoon and politician who is the complete opposite of his former self. When a second accidental blow to the head restores his original memory, Florian is horrified to discover he is engaged to a beautiful woman he doesn't recognize and is in the middle of a high-stakes political campaign. He must navigate the complexities of his 'double life' with the help of an occultist, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings as he tries to reconcile his two vastly different identities. Ultimately, the film explores the duality of man as Florian attempts to win back his life while falling in love with the woman his alter-ego chose.
About the Production
The film was produced under the supervision of D.W. Griffith, who oversaw the Fine Arts unit of the Triangle Film Corporation. It was Douglas Fairbanks' third film following his successful debut in 'The Lamb' (1915). The production was notable for its use of double exposure photography to show the two personalities of the protagonist, a technique that was still being refined in 1915. Director Christy Cabanne worked closely with Fairbanks to develop the physical comedy that would become the actor's trademark. The script was adapted from the 1905 novel 'Double Trouble' by Herbert Quick, which had previously been a popular stage play.
Historical Background
In 1915, the American film industry was undergoing a massive transition from short one-reelers to feature-length 'photoplays.' 'Double Trouble' was released the same year as Griffith's 'The Birth of a Nation,' a time when the Triangle Film Corporation was attempting to elevate cinema to the status of fine art by hiring established stage actors like Fairbanks. Historically, the film reflects the era's growing interest in psychology and the 'New Thought' movement, as well as the societal shift toward more dynamic, self-made masculine identities represented by the Eugene Brassfield character. It also captures the pre-WWI American optimism and the burgeoning political culture of the Progressive Era.
Why This Film Matters
The film is culturally significant as a foundational piece of the Douglas Fairbanks persona. It established the 'Fairbanks character'—a man of action, charm, and physical prowess—which would dominate the box office for the next fifteen years. Furthermore, it is an early example of the 'identity swap' comedy, a subgenre that remains popular in Hollywood today. By treating amnesia and personality shifts with a comedic touch, it paved the way for later screwball comedies that played with social roles and personal identity.
Making Of
During the production, Douglas Fairbanks was still adjusting to the differences between stage acting and screen acting. D.W. Griffith reportedly found Fairbanks' acting style too 'bouncy' and energetic for the camera, but audiences loved his vitality. Director Christy Cabanne encouraged Fairbanks to lean into his natural athleticism, which is evident in the scenes where he transitions between the timid Florian and the aggressive Eugene. The production used innovative camera masking techniques to allow Fairbanks to appear as if he were interacting with the 'ghost' of his other personality. The filming was completed rapidly at the Fine Arts studio in Hollywood, which was then a bustling hub for the Triangle Film Corporation's creative output.
Visual Style
The cinematography by William E. Fildew is notable for its clarity and the effective use of double exposures to represent the psychological state of the protagonist. The film utilizes standard 1915 framing—mostly medium-long shots—but incorporates more close-ups than was common in earlier years to capture Fairbanks' facial reactions. The lighting is primarily naturalistic, typical of the outdoor-indoor studio sets used at the Fine Arts facility.
Innovations
The film's primary technical achievement lies in its seamless integration of 'vision' scenes where the protagonist sees his alternate self. These were achieved through sophisticated in-camera masking and rewinding of the film strip. The editing also shows an advancement in 'parallel action,' helping the audience track the five-year gap in the story efficiently.
Music
As a silent film, there was no synchronized soundtrack. Original screenings would have been accompanied by a live piano or organ player, often utilizing a cue sheet provided by the distributor that suggested popular light classical pieces or upbeat ragtime for the comedic sequences.
Famous Quotes
I am Florian Amidon! Who is this Brassfield person you keep talking about?
Five years gone... and I've become a millionaire and a politician without even knowing it!
Memorable Scenes
- The initial scene where Florian Amidon is hit on the head and his personality visibly shifts through Fairbanks' body language.
- The comedic sequence where Florian wakes up five years later and is baffled by the luxury of his own home and the presence of a valet.
- The climax where Florian must give a political speech as Eugene Brassfield while having no idea what his platform is.
Did You Know?
- This was only the third film in Douglas Fairbanks' career, helping to solidify his transition from Broadway star to cinema icon.
- The film is based on the 1905 novel of the same name by Herbert Quick, which was a bestseller at the turn of the century.
- Director Christy Cabanne was a former assistant to D.W. Griffith and brought many of Griffith's technical standards to this production.
- The film features an early cinematic depiction of 'dual personality' or 'split identity,' predating many famous psychological thrillers.
- Douglas Fairbanks performed many of his own stunts, showcasing the athleticism that would later make him a swashbuckling superstar.
- The character of the occultist/psychic in the film reflects the early 20th-century fascination with spiritualism and the subconscious mind.
- The film was part of the initial wave of high-quality features released by the Triangle Film Corporation to compete with nickelodeons.
- Margery Wilson, the leading lady, later became one of the few female directors of the silent era.
- The film's use of a 'blow to the head' as a plot device for amnesia became a long-standing trope in Hollywood comedy and drama.
- A print of this film is currently preserved in the Cohen Media Group collection (formerly the Rohauer Collection).
What Critics Said
At the time of its release, 'Double Trouble' was praised for its clever plot and Douglas Fairbanks' charismatic performance. Variety and other trade papers noted that Fairbanks was a 'screen natural' who possessed a unique ability to connect with the audience through his physical expressions. Modern critics and film historians view it as a fascinating look at the development of the star system, though some note that the pacing reflects the primitive narrative structures of 1915. It is generally regarded as one of the better-preserved examples of early Triangle-Fine Arts comedies.
What Audiences Thought
Audiences in 1915 responded enthusiastically to Fairbanks' energy, making the film a commercial success for the Triangle Film Corporation. The 'dual personality' plot was seen as novel and engaging, providing both laughs and a touch of mystery. Fairbanks' ability to play both a weakling and a hero endeared him to both male and female viewers, establishing him as a top-tier box office draw almost immediately.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Novella)
- Herbert Quick's original novel
- The stage plays of the early 1900s
This Film Influenced
- The Nut (1921)
- Wonder Man (1945)
- All of Me (1984)
- Me, Myself & Irene (2000)
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Film Restoration
The film is preserved. A 35mm print exists in the Cohen Media Group/Raymond Rohauer collection. It has been digitized and occasionally screened at silent film festivals.