Noisy Noises

Plot

In this classic Our Gang comedy short, poor Joe Cobb is suffering from a terrible toothache while simultaneously tasked with babysitting his infant brother Rupert. Every attempt Joe makes to soothe the crying Rupert is immediately thwarted by various neighborhood noises and mishaps. After finally rocking Rupert to sleep, the peaceful moment is shattered when their neighbor begins practicing his bass fiddle, waking the baby once again. In his frustration, Joe rocks the cradle so violently that it falls apart, forcing him to transfer Rupert to a baby carriage. The carriage then breaks loose and rolls uncontrollably down a steep hill through busy traffic, with Rupert and a neighbor's monkey both enjoying the chaotic ride while Joe frantically pursues them.

Historical Background

Released in early 1929, 'Noisy Noises' emerged during one of the most transformative periods in cinema history. The film industry was rapidly converting from silent pictures to 'talkies,' with many studios struggling to adapt their production methods and artistic approaches. The Great Depression was beginning to take hold in America, making the escapist entertainment of comedy shorts particularly valuable to audiences. Our Gang films, with their focus on childhood innocence and mischief, provided a welcome distraction from economic hardships. This specific short represents the transitional nature of 1929 cinema, retaining much of the visual comedy style of the silent era while incorporating new sound elements that would soon become standard.

Making Of

The production of 'Noisy Noises' took place during a pivotal moment in cinema history - the transition from silent to sound films. Director Robert F. McGowan had to adapt his directing style to accommodate the new sound technology while maintaining the visual comedy style that made Our Gang famous. The cast, particularly the children, had to learn to project their voices for the new microphone technology. The famous baby carriage scene required multiple takes and careful planning, as early sound equipment was bulky and couldn't easily follow the action. The production team used innovative techniques to capture the various sounds that drive the plot, from the bass fiddle to traffic noises, often having to record them separately and mix them later due to technical limitations.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Noisy Noises' was handled by Art Lloyd, the regular cameraman for many Our Gang shorts. The film demonstrates the visual comedy techniques perfected during the silent era, with careful framing to maximize physical gags and facial expressions. The camera work had to accommodate the bulky early sound recording equipment, limiting some of the mobility that characterized earlier Our Gang films. The baby carriage sequence showcases innovative tracking shots for the period, with the camera following the action down the hill while maintaining focus on the comedic elements. The lighting style remained consistent with the Hal Roach studio's house style, bright and clear to highlight the children's performances.

Innovations

While not technically groundbreaking, 'Noisy Noises' represents an important step in the evolution of sound comedy. The film successfully integrated sound effects into physical comedy routines, demonstrating that the visual gags that defined silent comedy could work effectively with audio elements. The production team developed techniques for recording children's voices, which posed unique challenges for early microphone technology. The coordination required for the baby carriage sequence with sound recording was particularly impressive for the era. The film also showcases early attempts at sound mixing, combining dialogue, sound effects, and music in ways that would become standard practice in the coming years.

Music

The soundtrack for 'Noisy Noises' represents early sound technology at work. Rather than a composed musical score, the film features diegetic sounds that drive the plot - the baby's crying, the bass fiddle practice, traffic noises, and various other disturbances that create the 'noisy' atmosphere of the title. The sound was recorded using the early sound-on-disc technology, which presented challenges for synchronization. Musical accompaniment would have been provided by theater organists or pianists during exhibition, as was common for short subjects of this period. The film's sound design was primitive by modern standards but innovative for its time in using sound as an integral element of the comedy.

Memorable Scenes

• The escalating sequence where Joe tries to rock Rupert to sleep, only to have the neighbor's bass fiddle playing wake him up repeatedly, leading to Joe's increasing frustration and the eventual destruction of the cradle.
• The climactic chase scene where the baby carriage rolls down the hill through traffic, with Rupert and the monkey seemingly enjoying the ride while Joe desperately pursues them, creating both tension and comedy.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Noisy Noises' for its successful integration of sound elements with the established Our Gang comedy formula. The Motion Picture News noted that 'the addition of sound has only enhanced the natural charm of these talented youngsters.' Modern film historians view this short as an important example of the transitional period between silent and sound cinema, particularly in how it demonstrates early sound comedy techniques. Critics have pointed out that while the sound technology was still primitive, the film maintains the visual storytelling excellence that characterized the best silent comedies. The baby carriage sequence is often cited as a classic example of physical comedy that works regardless of sound technology.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1929 warmly received 'Noisy Noises,' with theater owners reporting strong attendance for Our Gang shorts even as many other films struggled during the early sound transition. Children and adults alike found humor in Joe Cobb's relatable predicament of dealing with both a toothache and a crying baby. The film's climax with the runaway baby carriage became one of the most talked-about sequences in the Our Gang canon. Modern audiences discovering these shorts through television and home video continue to appreciate the timeless nature of the comedy, with many parents noting that their children find the same humor in the situations that delighted audiences nearly a century ago.

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