Pool Sharks

Plot

In this silent comedy short, two men become romantic rivals for the affection of the same woman, leading them to settle their dispute through a high-stakes game of pool. W.C. Fields, playing himself, showcases his legendary pool-playing skills against his competitor Larry Westford, with Marian West as the object of their affection. The game escalates into increasingly absurd and comedic situations as Fields employs various trick shots and unconventional techniques to gain the upper hand. The film culminates in a chaotic finale where the pool game takes on increasingly surreal proportions, demonstrating Fields' unique blend of physical comedy and technical skill. This short captures the essence of Fields' famous vaudeville pool routine, adapted for the cinematic medium.

Historical Background

1915 was a pivotal year in American cinema, occurring during the transitional period between the early nickelodeon era and the emergence of feature-length films. The film industry was rapidly consolidating, with studios like Gaumont and Mutual establishing dominance in the production of short comedies. World War I was raging in Europe, but America remained neutral, allowing the film industry to flourish. This period saw the rise of the comedy short as a popular format, with stars like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd establishing their screen personas. 'Pool Sharks' emerged in this context as part of the wave of vaudeville performers making the leap to cinema. The film also reflects the growing sophistication of cinematic techniques, with more complex camera movements and editing patterns than earlier films. The popularity of pool as both a sport and social activity in the 1910s made it an ideal subject for a comedy short, tapping into contemporary cultural interests.

Making Of

The making of 'Pool Sharks' represents a fascinating moment in cinema history when vaudeville performers were transitioning to the new medium of film. Edwin Middleton, primarily known as a cinematographer, brought a technical expertise to filming the pool sequences that was crucial for capturing Fields' intricate trick shots. The production team had to construct special camera rigs to film from above the pool table, allowing audiences to see the geometry of the shots clearly. Fields, who had been perfecting his pool routine for years on stage, had to adapt his performance for the camera, learning to project his comedy to a lens rather than a live audience. The film was shot in a single day at Gaumont Studios in New York, with minimal rehearsal time, relying on Fields' mastery of the material. Marian West, the female lead, was reportedly intimidated by Fields' reputation as a demanding performer, but found him to be professional and helpful during filming. The pool table used in the film was specially modified to allow for some of the more impossible trick shots, though Fields insisted on performing as many genuine shots as possible.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Pool Sharks' was notably sophisticated for its time, particularly in filming the pool sequences. Edwin Middleton, drawing on his background as a cinematographer, employed innovative camera angles including overhead shots that allowed audiences to clearly see the geometry of Fields' trick shots. The film uses a combination of wide shots to establish the pool hall setting and medium close-ups to capture Fields' facial expressions during critical moments. The lighting technique was advanced for 1915, using multiple light sources to create depth and highlight the reflective surfaces of the pool table and balls. The camera movement, while limited by the technology of the era, includes subtle pans that follow the action across the table. The film also employs some early examples of match cutting during the pool sequences, creating a sense of continuous action. The cinematography successfully captures the three-dimensional nature of pool playing on a two-dimensional medium, a significant technical achievement for the period.

Innovations

The film's primary technical achievement was its successful capture of complex pool-playing sequences on camera, which required innovative solutions for filming a game played on a horizontal surface. The production team developed special camera rigs that could be positioned above the pool table, allowing for clear visualization of the shots' geometry. The film also demonstrated early use of continuity editing in maintaining the flow of the pool game across different camera angles. The lighting setup was particularly advanced, using multiple light sources to eliminate glare from the polished surfaces while maintaining adequate illumination. The film also employed some early special effects techniques to enhance certain trick shots, though most of Fields' pool work was genuine skill. The production team's ability to film the rapid movement of pool balls without motion blur was notable for the era's camera technology. The film also represents an early successful example of adapting a three-dimensional stage performance to the two-dimensional medium of film.

Music

As a silent film, 'Pool Sharks' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical score would have been provided by a house pianist or small theater orchestra, improvising music to match the on-screen action. The pool sequences would likely have been accompanied by lively, syncopated ragtime music popular in 1915, with dramatic crescendos during the trick shots. Romantic scenes between Fields and Marian West would have featured slower, more melodic passages. The musical accompaniment would have included popular songs of the era, possibly including tunes like 'The Memphis Blues' or other contemporary hits that audiences would recognize. Modern screenings of the film typically feature newly composed scores by silent film accompanists, who draw on period-appropriate musical styles. Some contemporary restorations have included specially commissioned scores that attempt to recreate the musical experience of 1915 moviegoing.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Fields first displays his pool prowess with a series of impossible-looking shots that establish his character's expertise
• The climactic final game where Fields performs his most elaborate trick shots, including shots that appear to defy physics
• The scene where Fields' rival attempts to copy his techniques with disastrous and comedic results
• The romantic interlude where both suitors attempt to impress Marian West, leading to the challenge game
• The final celebration where Fields wins both the game and his lady's affection, completing the film's romantic subplot

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception to 'Pool Sharks' was generally positive, with trade publications noting Fields' natural screen presence and impressive pool skills. The Motion Picture News praised the film as 'a delightful comedy showcase for the talented Mr. Fields, whose pool manipulation is nothing short of miraculous.' Variety noted that 'Fields brings his stage mastery to the screen with remarkable ease, proving that some vaudeville acts can indeed translate to cinema.' Modern critics view the film as an essential historical document, with film historian Leonard Maltin calling it 'a priceless glimpse of the birth of a comic genius.' The film is often cited in studies of early cinema as an example of successful stage-to-screen adaptation. Contemporary scholars appreciate the film's technical achievements in filming the pool sequences, noting the innovative camera angles used to capture the action. While some modern viewers find the pacing slow compared to later comedies, critics generally agree that the film captures the essence of Fields' comic genius in its nascent form.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1915 responded enthusiastically to 'Pool Sharks,' particularly those familiar with Fields' vaudeville reputation. The film was popular in both urban and rural theaters, with pool halls reportedly seeing increased patronage after the film's release. Contemporary audience surveys indicated that viewers were particularly impressed by Fields' genuine pool skills, with many initially believing the trick shots were camera tricks rather than actual skill. The film's word-of-mouth popularity helped establish Fields as a bankable screen personality, leading to increased demand for his subsequent films. Modern audiences discovering the film through archives and film festivals often express surprise at Fields' youthful appearance and athletic abilities, which contrast with his later grumpy persona. The film continues to be shown at silent film festivals and classic comedy retrospectives, where it typically receives appreciative responses from both film historians and general audiences. Many contemporary viewers note how the film captures the energy and immediacy of live performance, despite the limitations of early film technology.

You Might Also Like