Moonshine

Plot

In this silent comedy short, a long-standing feud between the Owens and Gillette families in the mountains comes to an end when the last Gillette is killed. The mountain community, consisting of moonshiners led by Fatty (Roscoe Arbuckle), believes their troubles are over until a U.S. revenue agent and his assistant arrive to investigate illegal alcohol production. Fatty and his friends, including a young Buster Keaton, engage in a series of comedic attempts to hide their moonshine operation from the authorities. The film culminates in a chaotic chase sequence through the mountain wilderness as the moonshiners try to outwit the government agents.

Historical Background

The film was released in 1918, during the final year of World War I and just two years before the implementation of Prohibition in the United States. This historical context gives the film particular significance, as it deals with moonshining - the illegal production of alcohol - at a time when the temperance movement was reaching its peak and the country was about to undergo a radical social transformation. The film industry itself was experiencing massive growth during this period, with Hollywood emerging as the global center of film production as European industries were disrupted by the war. The year 1918 also saw the devastating Spanish flu pandemic, which temporarily affected film production and theater attendance. Comedy films like 'Moonshine' provided escapist entertainment for audiences dealing with the stresses of war and the pandemic. The film's portrayal of government agents pursuing moonshiners reflected real tensions in rural America between traditional ways of life and increasing federal authority.

Making Of

The making of 'Moonshine' occurred during a pivotal period in American comedy cinema. Roscoe Arbuckle was at the height of his popularity as one of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood, and he had formed his own production company, Comique Film Corporation, in partnership with Joseph Schenck. The film was part of a series of two-reel comedies that Arbuckle produced, featuring himself and a young Buster Keaton who was still developing his screen persona. The collaboration between Arbuckle and Keaton was mutually beneficial - Arbuckle provided the established star power while Keaton contributed innovative gags and physical comedy ideas. The outdoor filming required for the mountain setting was more ambitious than many contemporary comedy shorts, which primarily used studio backlots. The physical comedy sequences, particularly the chase scenes, required careful planning and execution, with both performers performing their own stunts, a practice that was common but dangerous in the silent era.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Moonshine' was typical of comedy shorts of its era but showed some ambition in its use of outdoor locations. The film was likely shot by George Peters, who was Arbuckle's regular cinematographer during this period. The camera work was functional rather than artistic, designed primarily to clearly capture the physical comedy and action sequences. The use of natural light in outdoor scenes was more sophisticated than many contemporary studio-bound comedies. The chase sequences required mobile camera work to follow the action, which was technically challenging for the period. The film's visual style emphasized clarity in presenting gags and stunts, with medium shots that allowed audiences to see the full physical comedy. The mountain setting provided visual interest and opportunities for elevation-based gags that took advantage of the terrain.

Innovations

While 'Moonshine' was not a groundbreaking technical film, it demonstrated solid production values for a comedy short of its era. The film's use of outdoor locations was more ambitious than many contemporary comedies that relied on studio sets. The physical comedy sequences required careful choreography and timing, particularly the chase scenes that involved multiple performers and complex movements. The film showcased the growing sophistication of stunt work in comedy, with both Arbuckle and Keaton performing their own dangerous physical gags. The two-reel format (approximately 20-25 minutes) allowed for more developed storytelling than earlier one-reel comedies. The production quality reflected Arbuckle's status as a major star who could command resources for his films. The film's survival in good condition is itself a technical achievement, as many films from this period have been lost due to the unstable nature of early film stock.

Music

As a silent film, 'Moonshine' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical accompaniment would have included a pianist or small orchestra in larger theaters, playing popular songs of the era and improvised music that matched the on-screen action. The score would have emphasized the comedic elements with light, playful music during funny scenes and more dramatic music during the chase sequences. For the mountain setting, folk-inspired melodies might have been used. Modern screenings of the film typically feature either newly composed scores or carefully selected period-appropriate music. The absence of recorded dialogue meant that intertitles were used to convey essential plot points, while the visual comedy carried most of the narrative weight.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence showing the end of the Owens-Gillette feud
• Fatty and his friends attempting to hide the moonshine still from the approaching agents
• The chaotic chase through the mountain terrain with the revenue agents in pursuit
• Buster Keaton's early display of his trademark deadpan reaction to the chaos
• The final confrontation between the moonshiners and government agents

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception of 'Moonshine' was generally positive, with reviewers praising the physical comedy and the chemistry between Arbuckle and Keaton. The film was reviewed in trade publications like Variety and Moving Picture World, which noted the film's successful blend of slapstick humor and clever gags. Modern critics and film historians view the film as an important example of early American comedy and a valuable record of the Arbuckle-Keaton partnership. The film is often cited in studies of silent comedy as demonstrating the development of both performers' styles before they became major stars individually. Film historians particularly note how the film showcases Keaton's emerging 'Great Stone Face' persona and Arbuckle's more affable, everyman comedy style. The preservation of the film has allowed contemporary scholars to analyze the early techniques that would later become hallmarks of classic American comedy.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1918 responded positively to 'Moonshine' and the other Arbuckle-Keaton collaborations, which were popular attractions in theaters across the country. The films were particularly successful with working-class audiences who appreciated the physical comedy and relatable characters. The timing of the release, during the war and pandemic, made the escapist entertainment particularly welcome. Modern audiences, primarily film enthusiasts and silent cinema fans, appreciate the film as a historical artifact and enjoy seeing the early work of two comedy legends. The film's availability through archives and silent film festivals has allowed new generations to discover this early example of American comedy. Audience reactions at contemporary screenings of silent films like 'Moonshine' typically include appreciation for the physical stunts and the historical value of seeing these performers at an early stage in their careers.

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