Look Pleasant, Please

Plot

In this 1918 silent comedy short, Harold Lloyd plays a photographer who runs a studio but is more interested in flirting with his female customers than actually taking their pictures. When a particularly attractive young woman (Bebe Daniels) comes in for a photo session, Lloyd's character becomes completely distracted, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and failed attempts at photography. His assistant, played by Harry 'Snub' Pollard, tries to keep the business running while Lloyd pursues his romantic interests. The situation escalates with various slapstick gags involving photographic equipment, mistaken identities, and chaotic attempts to impress the young woman, culminating in a comedic finale where the photo studio descends into complete pandemonium.

Historical Background

1918 was a pivotal year in world history, marking the final year of World War I. The film industry was undergoing significant changes, with Hollywood firmly established as the center of American film production. Silent comedies were at their peak popularity, with stars like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd competing for audiences. The influenza pandemic of 1918 was also spreading globally, though its full impact wouldn't be felt until later in the year. Films like 'Look Pleasant, Please' served as important escapist entertainment for a war-weary public. The movie industry was also transitioning from short films to feature-length productions, though shorts remained popular, especially for comedy. This period saw the rise of the studio system, with companies like Pathé Exchange dominating distribution. The technology of filmmaking was still relatively primitive, but techniques were rapidly evolving, particularly in the realm of visual comedy where timing and physical gags were paramount.

Making Of

The production of 'Look Pleasant, Please' was typical of the fast-paced short comedy factory system in Hollywood during the late 1910s. Harold Lloyd was working at an incredible pace, often completing multiple short films in a single month. Director Alfred J. Goulding, an Australian native, had developed a strong working relationship with Lloyd and understood his comedic timing. The photo studio set was likely a simple, reusable set that could be quickly dressed for different scenarios. The chemistry between Lloyd and frequent co-star Bebe Daniels was already well-established, as they had appeared in numerous films together. Harry 'Snub' Pollard's role as the straight man/comedic foil was crucial to the film's rhythm, a dynamic he and Lloyd had perfected through dozens of previous collaborations. The film's gags were probably developed through improvisation during rehearsal, a common practice in silent comedy production where visual humor could be tested and refined on the spot.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Look Pleasant, Please' reflects the standard practices of silent comedy production in 1918. The camera work was functional rather than artistic, focusing on clearly capturing the physical comedy and allowing the gags to be visible to the audience. The photo studio setting provided opportunities for interesting compositions with the large photographic equipment and various props. Lighting would have been primarily natural or basic studio lighting, as sophisticated lighting techniques were still developing. The cinematographer would have needed to carefully frame the action to ensure that the slapstick elements and facial expressions were clearly visible, crucial for silent comedy where visual storytelling was paramount. The film likely used static camera positions typical of the era, with movement limited to following the action rather than elaborate camera work.

Innovations

While 'Look Pleasant, Please' was not a groundbreaking film in terms of technical innovation, it demonstrates the solid craftsmanship of Hollywood short comedy production in 1918. The film effectively utilizes the technical limitations of the era to create comedy, particularly in its use of photographic equipment for visual gags. The editing would have been straightforward but precise, crucial for timing the comedic moments effectively. The film showcases the emerging language of visual comedy that was being developed during this period, including the use of props, setting, and physical action to create humor without dialogue. The preservation of the film itself represents a technical achievement, as many shorts from this period have been lost due to the unstable nature of early film stock and the perceived disposability of short comedies after their theatrical run.

Music

As a silent film, 'Look Pleasant, Please' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical accompaniment would have been a piano player in smaller theaters or a small orchestra in larger venues. The music would have been compiled from various sources, including classical pieces, popular songs of the era, and specialized photoplay music published specifically for silent film accompaniment. The score would have been designed to enhance the comedic timing, with lively music for the gags and romantic themes for the scenes involving Bebe Daniels' character. No original score survives, as silent film music was typically improvised or compiled rather than specifically composed. Modern presentations of the film often use newly composed scores or carefully selected period-appropriate music to recreate the authentic silent film experience.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Harold Lloyd's character attempts to take a serious photograph while being distracted by attractive women, setting up the film's central conflict between professionalism and romantic interest.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception for short comedies like 'Look Pleasant, Please' was typically limited to brief mentions in trade publications rather than detailed reviews. The film was generally received as standard fare for the comedy short market, with reviewers noting Lloyd's energetic performance and the effective use of the photo studio setting for visual gags. Modern critics and film historians view the film primarily as a historical artifact, valuable for understanding Lloyd's early career development before he created his iconic 'Glasses Character.' While not considered among Lloyd's essential works, it is recognized as a competent example of the one-reel comedy format that dominated American cinema in the late 1910s. The film is often noted in retrospective analyses for showing the early stages of Lloyd's sophisticated approach to physical comedy and his ability to create relatable comedic situations.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1918 generally received 'Look Pleasant, Please' positively as part of the typical theater program that included newsreels, a feature film, and several comedy shorts. Harold Lloyd was building his reputation as a reliable comedy star, and his films were becoming increasingly popular with moviegoers seeking light entertainment during the difficult war years. The relatable situation of a photo studio and the universal theme of romantic distraction would have resonated with contemporary audiences. While specific box office figures for individual shorts are not available, the consistent production of Lloyd comedies during this period suggests strong audience demand. Modern audiences viewing the film through archives or classic film presentations often appreciate it as a time capsule of early 20th-century comedy and a glimpse into the early work of a future comedy legend.

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