Kid Boots

Plot

Sam 'Kid Boots' Miller is a struggling shoe salesman who gets into hot water when he accidentally sells a pair of shoes to the wrong customer, the wealthy and temperamental Mr. Whelan. Whelan's girlfriend, the beautiful Clara, tries to smooth things over, but Sam finds himself in deeper trouble when he crosses paths with the wealthy playboy Tom Wagner. Wagner offers to help Sam out of his jam if Sam will assist him in getting a divorce from his wife, leading to a series of comedic complications. As Sam navigates the divorce proceedings, he finds himself increasingly attracted to Clara, creating a love triangle that threatens to unravel everyone's plans. The film culminates in a madcap chase sequence where all the characters' true feelings and motives are revealed, ultimately resolving in a satisfying romantic conclusion.

Historical Background

Kid Boots was produced during the height of the Roaring Twenties, a period of unprecedented economic prosperity and cultural change in America. The film reflected the era's fascination with wealth, leisure, and the emerging celebrity culture. 1926 was a pivotal year in cinema, as the industry was on the cusp of the sound revolution that would begin with 'The Jazz Singer' in 1927. The film's focus on consumerism, represented by the shoe salesman protagonist, mirrored the growing consumer culture of the 1920s. This was also the era of the 'flapper,' with Clara Bow embodying the new modern woman who was independent, fashionable, and socially liberated. The film's production coincided with the peak of silent cinema's artistic and commercial success, just before the transition to sound would dramatically change the industry.

Making Of

The production of 'Kid Boots' marked a significant transition for Eddie Cantor from Broadway to Hollywood stardom. Director Frank Tuttle, known for his work with comedians, had to adapt Cantor's energetic vaudeville style to the more intimate medium of film. This required Cantor to tone down his exaggerated gestures and facial expressions while maintaining his comedic timing. The film's production team built elaborate sets to recreate the opulent lifestyle depicted in the story, including a luxury hotel ballroom and several high-society homes. Clara Bow, though not yet the superstar she would become, showed remarkable screen presence and chemistry with Cantor, leading to her being cast in more prominent roles in subsequent films. The production faced the typical challenges of silent filmmaking, including the need for actors to convey emotion and story through physical expression alone. The film's success was largely attributed to the careful balance between Cantor's established comedy style and the emerging requirements of cinematic performance.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Kid Boots' was handled by James Wong Howe, who would later become one of Hollywood's most celebrated cinematographers. Howe employed the sophisticated visual techniques that had become standard in mid-1920s filmmaking, including careful lighting to highlight the emotional moments and create depth in the compositions. The film features several elaborate tracking shots, particularly during the party and chase sequences, which showcase the technical sophistication of Paramount's camera department. Howe's use of soft focus lighting for the romantic scenes, particularly those involving Clara Bow, helped create the glamorous image that would become her trademark. The cinematography effectively balanced the needs of comedy - clear visibility of physical gags and facial expressions - with the requirements of romantic storytelling, creating a visually appealing and narratively clear presentation.

Innovations

While 'Kid Boots' was not groundbreaking in its technical aspects, it demonstrated the high level of craftsmanship that had become standard in major studio productions by 1926. The film featured several complex sequences requiring precise camera movement and timing, particularly the climactic chase scene. The production utilized advanced lighting techniques to create the glamorous atmosphere of the high-society settings. The film's editing, supervised by director Frank Tuttle, showed sophisticated understanding of rhythm and pacing, particularly in balancing the comedic and romantic elements. The makeup and costume departments achieved notable results in creating the distinctive looks of the 1920s characters, with Clara Bow's wardrobe becoming particularly influential. The film's special effects, while modest by modern standards, were effective for their time and included several trick photography shots that enhanced the comedy sequences.

Music

As a silent film, 'Kid Boots' was originally accompanied by a musical score performed live in theaters. The typical presentation included a full orchestral score compiled from popular classical pieces and original compositions by theater musicians. The music was carefully synchronized with the on-screen action, with upbeat tempos for comedic sequences and romantic themes for the love scenes. Some theaters presented the film with the Vitaphone sound-on-disc system, providing a synchronized musical score and sound effects, though this was not the standard presentation. The original Broadway musical had featured songs by Harry Akst and Lew Brown, but these could not be incorporated into the silent film version. The musical accompaniment was crucial to the film's emotional impact, particularly in conveying the romantic elements and enhancing the comedic timing.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Eddie Cantor's character attempts to demonstrate shoes to an increasingly irate customer, showcasing Cantor's physical comedy skills
• The elaborate party scene where all the main characters converge, featuring Clara Bow in a stunning flapper dress and beginning the film's central complications
• The climactic chase sequence through multiple locations, combining slapstick comedy with romantic resolution

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics generally praised 'Kid Boots' for its entertainment value and Eddie Cantor's screen performance. Variety noted that 'Cantor proves he has the stuff for pictures' and praised the film's 'plenty of laughs and good situations.' The New York Times commented favorably on Cantor's adaptation to the medium, noting his 'restrained but effective' performance style. Modern critics and film historians view the film as an important transitional work in Cantor's career and a representative example of 1920s comedy cinema. The film is often cited for its effective blending of slapstick elements with romantic comedy, and for showcasing Clara Bow's emerging star power before her breakthrough in 'It' (1927). While not considered a masterpiece of silent cinema, it is recognized as a solid entertainment that successfully captured the spirit of its era.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1926 enthusiastically received 'Kid Boots,' making it one of the popular hits of the year. The film capitalized on Eddie Cantor's established popularity from vaudeville and Broadway, drawing his existing fan base to theaters. Clara Bow's growing appeal among younger audiences also contributed to the film's success, particularly with the emerging youth culture of the Roaring Twenties. The film's mix of comedy, romance, and glimpses of high society life appealed to a broad cross-section of moviegoers. Contemporary theater reports indicated strong attendance and positive word-of-mouth, with many patrons praising Cantor's comedic timing and Bow's screen presence. The film's success at the box office helped cement both Cantor and Bow as bankable stars, leading to more substantial roles in subsequent productions.

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