Number, Please?

Plot

In this Harold Lloyd comedy short, our hero (Harold Lloyd) visits an amusement park to distract himself from a recent romantic disappointment. While there, he spots his former love interest (Mildred Davis) with her new boyfriend (Roy Brooks), creating an awkward love triangle. When her dog escapes and runs loose through the park, both suitors compete to retrieve it, leading to increasingly chaotic situations. The girl's uncle, who works as a balloonist at the park, offers her a free balloon ride for two, contingent on receiving her mother's permission. She then proposes a challenge: whichever admirer can first secure her mother's approval will accompany her on the aerial adventure, sparking a frantic race between the two men to reach her home and win the coveted prize.

Historical Background

Released in August 1920, 'Number, Please?' emerged during a transformative period in American history. The nation was entering the Roaring Twenties, a decade of unprecedented economic growth, social change, and technological innovation. World War I had ended two years earlier, and America was experiencing a cultural renaissance marked by jazz music, flapper culture, and a newfound sense of optimism. The film industry itself was undergoing rapid evolution, with Hollywood establishing itself as the world's entertainment capital. Silent films were at their peak of artistic achievement, and comedy was one of the most popular genres. The amusement park setting reflected the growing American love for leisure and entertainment, as technological advancements and increased disposable income made recreational activities more accessible to the middle class. This film also predates the establishment of the Academy Awards (which began in 1929), so critical recognition came through box office success and audience response rather than formal awards.

Making Of

The production of 'Number, Please?' took place during a pivotal period in Harold Lloyd's career when he was transitioning from his earlier 'Lonesome Luke' character to the more sophisticated 'Glasses Character' that would define his legacy. Director Hal Roach, who ran his own studio, gave Lloyd considerable creative freedom in developing his comedic persona. The amusement park location presented unique challenges for the production team, as they had to work around real park visitors and operating rides. The balloon sequences required special safety precautions, with the production team consulting with actual balloonists to ensure authenticity while maintaining safety for the cast and crew. Mildred Davis and Harold Lloyd developed a strong professional chemistry during filming, which eventually led to their real-life romance and marriage. The film's editing was particularly sophisticated for its time, utilizing rapid cuts and close-ups to enhance the comedic timing of the physical gags.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Number, Please?' showcases the sophisticated visual techniques being developed in silent comedy. Chief cinematographer Walter Lundin employed dynamic camera movements and varied shot sizes to enhance the comedic timing of the physical gags. The amusement park setting allowed for creative use of depth and space, with characters moving through complex environments that required careful blocking and camera placement. The balloon sequences presented unique technical challenges, requiring the camera to capture aerial perspectives while maintaining clarity and focus on the performers. The film utilizes the popular 'comedy close-up' technique that Lloyd helped pioneer, using facial expressions to punctuate physical gags. The cinematography also takes advantage of natural lighting in the outdoor amusement park setting, creating a bright, cheerful atmosphere that complemented the film's comedic tone. The visual style balances wide shots that establish the chaotic environment with medium shots that highlight the performers' physical comedy, creating a rhythm that guides the audience's attention through the complex action sequences.

Innovations

While 'Number, Please?' was not groundbreaking in terms of technical innovation, it demonstrated the sophisticated filmmaking techniques being refined at Hal Roach Studios. The film's effective use of location shooting at a functioning amusement park required careful planning and coordination with park management. The balloon sequences presented particular technical challenges, as the production team had to safely film actors in and around early 20th-century balloon equipment. The editing style employed rapid cuts and precise timing to enhance the physical comedy, techniques that were becoming increasingly sophisticated in 1920. The film also showcases the effective use of perspective and depth in the frame, creating visual interest in the crowded amusement park setting. The preservation of the film demonstrates the relatively good quality of film stock being used by major studios in 1920, allowing for modern restoration efforts. The production's ability to combine location shooting with studio work seamlessly represents the growing technical capabilities of American film production during this period.

Music

As a silent film, 'Number, Please?' was originally presented with live musical accompaniment that varied by theater. Larger venues typically employed full orchestras while smaller theaters used pianists or organists. The musical score would have been compiled from popular pieces of the era, classical selections, and specially composed cue sheets that indicated appropriate music for different scenes. The amusement park sequences likely featured lively, upbeat music such as ragtime or early jazz pieces, while romantic moments would have been accompanied by sentimental ballads. The balloon scenes probably called for dramatic, soaring music to enhance the sense of height and adventure. Modern restorations of the film have featured newly composed scores by silent film specialists who attempt to recreate the musical experience of 1920 audiences. The absence of dialogue made the musical accompaniment crucial for conveying mood and enhancing the emotional impact of the visual comedy, with the music often working in counterpoint to the on-screen action for comedic effect.

Memorable Scenes

• The chaotic dog chase through the crowded amusement park rides
• The telephone exchange scene where Harold desperately tries to get connected
• The climactic balloon sequence with both suitors racing for the prize
• Harold's various failed attempts to impress the girl at different park attractions

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Number, Please?' for its inventive gags and Harold Lloyd's comedic timing. The film trade publications of the era, including Moving Picture World and Variety, noted the film's strong audience appeal and clever use of the amusement park setting. Critics particularly appreciated the balloon sequence as a novel and exciting element that elevated the film above typical comedy shorts. Modern film historians recognize the short as an important example of Lloyd's developing style and the sophisticated comedy being produced at Hal Roach Studios. The film is often cited in retrospectives of silent comedy as demonstrating Lloyd's ability to blend physical comedy with relatable human situations. Critics have noted how the film prefigures many of the themes and techniques that would appear in Lloyd's later, more ambitious features. The preservation of the film has allowed contemporary scholars to study the evolution of American comedy cinema and Lloyd's contribution to the art form.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1920 enthusiastically received 'Number, Please?' as part of Harold Lloyd's growing popularity. The film played well in theaters across America, contributing to Lloyd's status as one of the top box office draws of the silent era. Contemporary audience reports indicated strong laughter and applause during screenings, particularly for the physical comedy sequences and the climactic balloon race. The amusement park setting resonated with viewers who were familiar with similar recreational venues, making the comedy more relatable and immediate. The romantic competition storyline appealed to young audiences who were experiencing similar social dynamics in the changing dating culture of the 1920s. The film's success helped solidify Lloyd's fan base and demonstrated the commercial viability of his 'Glasses Character.' Modern audiences viewing the film at revival screenings and in silent film festivals continue to appreciate its timeless humor and historical significance as an example of classic American comedy.

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