Slipping Wives

Plot

In this silent comedy, socialite Eleanor (Priscilla Dean) feels neglected by her work-obsessed husband Robert (Herbert Rawlinson). Determined to regain his attention, she convinces their bumbling handyman (Oliver Hardy) to pose as a famous Russian novelist named 'Count Boris' at an upcoming dinner party. The plan backfires hilariously when the handyman's attempts to maintain his sophisticated facade lead to increasingly absurd situations, including mistaken identities, cultural misunderstandings, and physical comedy. As the evening progresses, Eleanor's scheme creates chaos while unexpectedly bringing the couple closer together through the ridiculous predicament.

Historical Background

1927 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the end of the silent era and the beginning of the sound revolution with films like 'The Jazz Singer.' 'Slipping Wives' was produced during this transitional period, representing the final flowering of silent comedy before the industry's massive technological shift. The Roach Studios, where this film was made, was one of the most successful comedy production companies of the silent era, known for discovering and developing comedic talent. The film reflects the social attitudes of the 1920s, including the changing dynamics of marriage relationships and the growing independence of women in the Jazz Age. The stock market crash of 1929 was still two years away, and the film captures the relatively prosperous and carefree atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties.

Making Of

The production of 'Slipping Wives' took place during a transitional period in Hollywood, just as sound films were beginning to emerge. Director Fred Guiol, who had a keen eye for comedy timing, worked closely with the cast to develop the physical gags and situational humor. Oliver Hardy, who would soon become half of the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, was still developing his screen persona in this film. The cast rehearsed extensively to perfect the timing of the physical comedy, particularly the scenes involving Hardy's character trying to maintain his disguise as a sophisticated count. The film was shot quickly, as was typical for comedy shorts of this era, with most scenes being completed in one or two takes to maintain spontaneity.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Slipping Wives' was typical of comedy shorts from the late silent era, featuring clear, well-lit compositions that emphasized the physical comedy and facial expressions of the actors. The camera work was straightforward and functional, focusing on capturing the action and reactions necessary for the humor to land. The dinner party scenes utilized medium shots to capture multiple characters and their interactions, while close-ups were used for key comedic moments and reactions. The lighting was bright and even, as was standard for comedies of this period, ensuring that all visual gags were clearly visible to the audience.

Innovations

As a standard comedy short of its era, 'Slipping Wives' did not feature any notable technical innovations or achievements. The film was produced using established filmmaking techniques and technology of the late silent period. The cinematography, editing, and production design all followed conventional practices for comedy shorts. The film's technical aspects were competent and professional but not groundbreaking, which was typical for the genre. The focus was on delivering entertainment through performance and storytelling rather than pushing technical boundaries.

Music

As a silent film, 'Slipping Wives' did not have an original synchronized soundtrack. During its original theatrical run, the film would have been accompanied by live music, typically a piano or small orchestra in the theater. The musical accompaniment would have been selected to match the mood and action of each scene, with upbeat, playful music during the comedic moments and more romantic or dramatic music during the emotional scenes. The score would have been compiled from existing musical pieces rather than being originally composed for the film. No original score or specific musical cues were created for this production.

Memorable Scenes

• The dinner party scene where Oliver Hardy's character attempts to maintain his disguise as a sophisticated Russian count, leading to increasingly awkward and humorous situations as he tries to navigate social customs he doesn't understand

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of 'Slipping Wives' were generally positive but not enthusiastic, which was typical for comedy shorts of the period. The film was praised for its competent execution and the performances of its leads, particularly Oliver Hardy's comic timing. Modern critics and film historians view the film primarily as a curiosity piece, notable mainly for featuring Hardy before his Laurel and Hardy fame. The film is often mentioned in discussions of Hardy's early career and the development of his screen persona. While not considered a masterpiece of silent comedy, it is regarded as a competent example of the genre that successfully delivers the expected laughs and entertainment value of its time.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1927 generally responded positively to 'Slipping Wives,' finding it to be an enjoyable and entertaining comedy short. The film's familiar premise and physical comedy appealed to the typical moviegoing audience of the silent era. Oliver Hardy's performance was particularly well-received, with audiences enjoying his bumbling yet endearing characterization. The film's resolution, which reaffirmed traditional marital values while acknowledging modern relationship dynamics, resonated with contemporary viewers. Like most comedy shorts of the period, it was designed to be light, accessible entertainment that could be enjoyed by a broad audience without requiring deep engagement or intellectual effort.

You Might Also Like