Forgotten Sweeties

Plot

In this silent comedy short, Charley Chase plays Thurston, a mild-mannered man whose life is turned upside down when his former sweetheart, now married to a intimidating brute named Mr. Smith (Mitchell Lewis), moves into the apartment down the hall from him. Despite being married, the woman still harbors feelings for Thurston, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and close calls with her jealous husband. Thurston attempts to avoid any interaction with the couple but finds himself repeatedly drawn into awkward situations that threaten to expose their past relationship. The film builds to a frantic climax as Thurston must navigate his way out of a potentially dangerous confrontation while trying to maintain his dignity and avoid the wrath of the muscular husband. Through a series of slapstick gags and clever visual humor, Thurston ultimately manages to extricate himself from the predicament, though not without plenty of physical comedy and near-misses along the way.

Historical Background

1927 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the end of the silent era's golden age and the dawn of sound. 'The Jazz Singer,' released in October 1927, would revolutionize the industry, making films like 'Forgotten Sweeties' among the last pure silent comedies. The Roaring Twenties was in full swing, with audiences seeking escapist entertainment during a period of economic prosperity and social change. Comedy shorts were a staple of movie theater programming, typically shown before feature films. Hal Roach Studios was competing with other comedy powerhouses like Mack Sennett and Buster Keaton for audience attention. The film's themes of romantic entanglement and social awkwardness reflected contemporary concerns about modern relationships in an increasingly urbanized America. The apartment setting mirrored the growing trend of city living and the close quarters that defined urban life for many Americans.

Making Of

The production of 'Forgotten Sweeties' took place during a crucial transitional period in Hollywood history. The Hal Roach Studios were at their peak of productivity, churning out comedy shorts at a remarkable pace. Charley Chase, who had moved from acting to directing and back to acting, was one of the studio's most reliable stars. The film's tight 20-minute runtime was standard for comedy shorts of the era, requiring precise timing and efficient shooting schedules. The apartment setting was a practical choice, allowing for multiple comedic situations within a limited space. Director James Parrott, who would later gain fame for his work with Laurel and Hardy, brought his expertise in physical comedy to the project. The cast's chemistry was enhanced by their previous working relationships, as Garvin had appeared with Chase in multiple films, creating a natural comedic rhythm that required minimal rehearsal.

Visual Style

The cinematography by 'Glen Gano' (though the actual cinematographer for Roach shorts was often uncredited) employed standard techniques of the era but with particular attention to framing for comedic effect. The confined apartment setting required careful camera placement to maximize the visual humor of characters moving through doorways and narrow spaces. The film uses medium shots and close-ups effectively to capture Charley Chase's expressive facial reactions, which were crucial for conveying humor in silent cinema. The lighting follows the naturalistic approach common in Roach productions, avoiding the dramatic shadows of German Expressionist cinema in favor of clear visibility needed for comedy. The camera work supports the pacing of gags, with smooth movements that follow the action without drawing attention to itself.

Innovations

While not technically innovative, 'Forgotten Sweeties' demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship achieved in comedy short production by the late 1920s. The film makes effective use of the limited apartment set, employing multiple doorways and architectural elements for comedic purposes. The timing of physical gags shows the sophisticated understanding of comedic rhythm that had developed in silent comedy. The film's editing maintains a brisk pace necessary for short-form comedy, with cuts timed to enhance the humor of each situation. The production values, while modest, reflect the professional standards of Hal Roach Studios, which were known for their technical competence in comedy production.

Music

As a silent film, 'Forgotten Sweeties' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical score would have been compiled from standard photoplay music libraries, with selections chosen to match the mood of each scene. Comedic sequences would have featured lighter, more playful pieces, while moments of tension with the intimidating husband character would have been accompanied by more dramatic musical cues. The theater organist or small orchestra would have had the flexibility to emphasize visual gags with musical punctuation. No original composed score exists for the film, though modern screenings often feature newly commissioned scores or carefully selected period-appropriate music.

Memorable Scenes

• The scene where Thurston attempts to sneak past his former sweetheart's apartment while carrying groceries, resulting in a cascade of comedic mishaps as he tries to avoid detection by the jealous husband. The sequence builds through increasingly elaborate attempts at stealth, culminating in Thurston hiding in unusual places within the apartment building while the husband searches for him.

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of 'Forgotten Sweeties' were generally positive, with critics praising Charley Chase's subtle comedic timing and the film's clever use of confined space for maximum comedic effect. The Motion Picture News noted Chase's 'delightful handling of awkward situations' and called the film 'a thoroughly entertaining comedy short.' Variety appreciated the film's 'smart gags' and 'well-paced action,' though it noted that the plot followed familiar comedy conventions. Modern critics and film historians have recognized the film as a solid example of Chase's sophisticated approach to silent comedy, with the Library of Congress including it in discussions of significant comedy shorts of the late silent era. The film is often cited in studies of Hal Roach Studios' output as representative of the quality comedy shorts being produced during this period.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1927 responded positively to 'Forgotten Sweeties,' finding humor in its relatable premise of awkward encounters with former romantic interests. The film's mix of physical comedy and situational humor appealed to the broad moviegoing public of the late silent era. Charley Chase had developed a loyal following through his previous shorts, and this film reinforced his reputation for delivering consistent entertainment. The apartment setting resonated with urban audiences who recognized the comedy potential of close-quarters living. While not as spectacular as the feature-length comedies of Chaplin or Keaton, the film provided satisfying entertainment as part of a typical theater program. Modern audiences viewing the film through revival screenings and home media have appreciated its clever construction and Chase's understated comedic style.

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