Out West

Plot

Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle is unceremoniously thrown off a train and finds himself being pursued by a group of Indians in the western frontier. He stumbles into the lawless town of Mad Dog Gulch, where he encounters the Salvation Army worker Salvation Sue, who is trying to bring morality to the rough settlement. The villainous Wild Bill Hickup (Al St. John), a gambler and saloon owner, has set his sights on Salvation Sue, prompting Arbuckle to team up with fellow traveler Buster Keaton to protect her. Through a series of comedic misadventures and elaborate schemes, Fatty and Buster attempt to thwart Hickup's advances at every turn. Their efforts culminate in the discovery that the seemingly tough Hickup has one surprising weakness - he is extremely ticklish, which becomes the key to their victory in this classic silent comedy western.

Historical Background

Released in March 1918, 'Out West' emerged during a pivotal period in American history and cinema. The United States had entered World War I nearly a year earlier, and films like this served as both entertainment and escapism for audiences dealing with wartime uncertainties. The film industry itself was undergoing significant transformation, with Hollywood solidifying its position as the world's film production center. This was also the era when comedy was establishing itself as a dominant genre in American cinema, with stars like Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, and Roscoe Arbuckle becoming household names. The western genre was particularly popular during this period, reflecting America's ongoing fascination with frontier mythology and the closing of the actual western frontier. The film's parody of western tropes also reflected audiences' sophisticated understanding of genre conventions that had developed through years of filmgoing.

Making Of

The making of 'Out West' showcased the remarkable chemistry between Arbuckle and Keaton, who were developing their complementary comic styles. Arbuckle, already an established star and director, took Keaton under his wing, teaching him the art of physical comedy and film technique. The production was relatively quick, as was typical for two-reel comedies of the era, usually completed in just a few days. The Indian chase sequence was filmed using local Native American extras from the Los Angeles area, a common practice at the time. The famous tickling scene required multiple takes to perfect the timing and physical comedy, with Arbuckle and Keaton experimenting with different approaches to maximize the humor. The film's production benefited from the efficiency of the studio system that was developing in Hollywood, allowing for rapid turnaround while maintaining quality entertainment.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Out West' was handled by George Peters, who utilized the visual language of both comedy and western genres. The film employed wide shots to establish the western setting and create scope, while using medium shots for the comedy sequences to ensure the physical gags were clearly visible. The camera work was relatively static, as was typical of the period, but showed sophistication in its composition and framing. The chase sequences utilized tracking shots to enhance the sense of movement and excitement. The cinematography effectively balanced the expansive western landscapes with the intimate comedy moments, creating a visual rhythm that supported the film's dual genre nature. The lighting was naturalistic, taking advantage of California sunshine for outdoor scenes while using studio lighting for interior sequences.

Innovations

While 'Out West' was not revolutionary in its technical aspects, it demonstrated several important achievements in comedy filmmaking of its era. The film showcased advanced understanding of comic timing and pacing, particularly in the synchronization of physical gags with narrative development. The production utilized location shooting effectively, creating authentic western atmosphere while maintaining the controlled environment needed for comedy sequences. The film's editing was particularly noteworthy for its precision in setting up and paying off comic situations, a skill that Arbuckle had developed through his extensive experience in comedy. The choreography of the physical comedy sequences demonstrated sophisticated understanding of spatial relationships and camera positioning, ensuring that gags were visible and effective. The film also showed innovation in its parody of western conventions, using familiar genre elements in unexpected comic ways.

Music

As a silent film, 'Out West' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical score would have been compiled from standard photoplay music libraries, with selections chosen to match the mood of each scene. Western scenes would have been accompanied by cowboy songs and frontier-themed music, while comedy sequences would have featured lighter, more playful melodies. The Salvation Army character's appearances would likely have been accompanied by hymn-like music to reflect her religious nature. The film's original cue sheets, if they exist, would have specified particular pieces from publishers like Sam Fox Publishing or other photoplay music providers. Modern restorations of the film are typically accompanied by newly composed scores that attempt to recreate the spirit of the original accompaniments while incorporating contemporary musical sensibilities.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Arbuckle is thrown from the moving train and tumbles comically across the prairie, immediately establishing his character's physical comedy style
• The Indian chase scene that parodies western chase sequences while showcasing Arbuckle and Keaton's developing chemistry
• The saloon confrontation where Arbuckle and Keaton attempt to outsmart Al St. John's character through increasingly elaborate schemes
• The climactic tickling sequence where the heroes discover and exploit the villain's weakness, combining physical comedy with clever problem-solving
• The final scene where Salvation Sue successfully reforms the town, bringing the parody full circle with a traditional western resolution

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Out West' for its inventive humor and the chemistry between Arbuckle and Keaton. The trade publications of the era, including Variety and Moving Picture World, highlighted the film's clever parody of western conventions and its expert timing. Modern critics and film historians view the film as an important example of early American comedy, noting its role in developing the partnership between Arbuckle and Keaton. The film is often cited in retrospectives of silent comedy as demonstrating Arbuckle's directorial skill and his ability to balance broad physical comedy with more subtle humor elements. Film scholars particularly appreciate the film's sophisticated approach to genre parody, which was relatively advanced for its time.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1918 enthusiastically received 'Out West,' with the film proving to be a popular attraction in theaters across the country. The combination of western adventure and comedy appealed to a broad demographic, from children to adults. The film's success was part of Arbuckle's incredible popularity during this period, when he was one of the highest-paid and most beloved stars in Hollywood. Contemporary reports indicate that audiences particularly enjoyed the physical comedy sequences and the interplay between the three main characters. The film's humor was accessible enough to transcend regional differences, making it successful in both urban and rural markets. Modern audiences who discover the film through revival screenings and home video appreciate its historical significance and timeless comedy elements.

You Might Also Like