Ring Up the Curtain

Plot

Harold Lloyd plays a humble stage hand at a theater who becomes completely smitten with Bebe Daniels, the glamorous leading lady of a visiting theatrical troupe. When the troupe's leading man fails to show up for a performance, Harold sees his opportunity to impress the object of his affection by stepping into the role. Despite having no acting experience, Harold's earnest attempts to perform lead to a series of hilarious mishaps and comedic situations backstage and on stage. The film culminates in a chaotic but ultimately successful performance that wins the heart of the leading lady. This classic Harold Lloyd short showcases his trademark blend of physical comedy and everyman charm.

Historical Background

Released in 1919, 'Ring Up the Curtain' emerged during a transformative period in American cinema and society. The film was produced just after World War I, when America was experiencing a cultural boom and the film industry was consolidating its power in Hollywood. This was the golden age of silent comedy, with stars like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd competing for audiences. The theatrical setting reflected the ongoing importance of vaudeville and live theater in American entertainment, even as cinema was rapidly becoming the dominant medium. 1919 also saw major labor unrest in the United States, and films about working-class characters like Lloyd's stage hand resonated with audiences experiencing similar economic uncertainties. The film industry itself was undergoing significant changes, with studios like Hal Roach establishing the star system that would dominate Hollywood for decades.

Making Of

The production of 'Ring Up the Curtain' took advantage of Harold Lloyd's real-life experience working in theaters before his film career. Director Alfred J. Goulding encouraged improvisation during filming, allowing Lloyd to develop his physical comedy gags organically on set. The chemistry between Lloyd and Bebe Daniels was genuine, as they had worked together extensively and had developed a comfortable rapport that translated well to the screen. The film's theatrical setting was achieved through a combination of location shooting at actual theaters and studio sets, with production designers carefully recreating the backstage atmosphere of vaudeville houses of the era. The crew faced challenges in lighting the theatrical scenes properly, as they needed to simulate both stage lighting and the dimmer backstage conditions authentically.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Ring Up the Curtain' was handled by Walter Lundin, who utilized the theatrical setting to create dynamic visual contrasts between the brightly lit stage areas and the dimly lit backstage spaces. The film employed medium shots and close-ups to capture Lloyd's expressive physical comedy, a technique that was becoming more sophisticated in 1919. The camera work takes advantage of the vertical space of the theater setting, prefiguring the high-angle shots that would become a hallmark of Lloyd's later work. The lighting design effectively simulates both theatrical stage lighting and the more naturalistic backstage illumination, creating visual variety within the limited setting. The film's visual style reflects the growing technical sophistication of Hollywood cinematography in the late 1910s.

Innovations

While 'Ring Up the Curtain' was not a groundbreaking technical achievement, it demonstrated the growing sophistication of film comedy production in 1919. The film effectively utilized multiple camera angles within the confined theater setting, showing the advancement of cinematic language beyond the static shots common in earlier comedy shorts. The production's use of actual theater facilities and equipment added authenticity that was technically challenging for the era. The film's editing rhythm, particularly in the chaotic final performance sequence, showed an understanding of comic timing that was becoming more refined in Hollywood productions. The successful integration of location shooting and studio work demonstrated the increasing technical capabilities of Hal Roach Studios.

Music

As a silent film, 'Ring Up the Curtain' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. Theaters typically employed pianists or small orchestras to provide appropriate background music that matched the on-screen action. For comedic moments, musicians would have used popular ragtime pieces or light classical selections, while romantic scenes featuring Lloyd and Daniels would have been accompanied by sentimental melodies. The theatrical setting allowed for creative musical choices, including the incorporation of popular theater songs of the era. Modern screenings of the film typically feature newly composed scores or period-appropriate compiled music that captures the spirit of 1919 cinema.

Memorable Scenes

• The climactic scene where Harold, having never acted before, attempts to perform on stage while simultaneously managing various backstage disasters, creating a symphony of comedic chaos that showcases his physical comedy talents and everyman charm.

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of 'Ring Up the Curtain' were generally positive, with critics praising Harold Lloyd's energetic performance and the film's clever use of theatrical settings. The Motion Picture News noted the film's 'genuine laughs' and 'well-executed comedy situations.' Modern film historians view the short as an important example of Lloyd's early work, demonstrating his developing comedic style before the creation of his famous glasses character. Critics have noted the film's efficient storytelling and effective use of physical comedy, though some consider it less sophisticated than Lloyd's later masterpieces. The film is appreciated today for its historical value and as a showcase of the collaborative relationship between Lloyd, director Goulding, and co-star Daniels.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by contemporary audiences in 1919, who enjoyed Harold Lloyd's relatable portrayal of an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances. Theater audiences of the silent era particularly connected with the backstage setting, which offered a glimpse into the world of show business. The chemistry between Lloyd and Bebe Daniels was a significant draw, as their pairing was popular with regular moviegoers. Modern audiences who have seen the film through revival screenings and home video releases appreciate it as an example of early American comedy, though it remains less known than Lloyd's later feature films. The film's straightforward humor and physical comedy continue to entertain viewers interested in silent cinema history.

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