Teddy at the Throttle
"A Thrilling Comedy of Love and Danger!"
Plot
Gloria Dawn lives down the hall from her sweetheart, Bobbie Knight, in a boarding house setting. The dishonest Henry Black serves as Gloria's guardian while also managing Bobbie's inheritance, which he and his sister have been systematically embezzling. The scheming guardian plots to have his sister marry Bobbie to maintain control over his fortune. When Bobbie discovers the financial deception, Henry attempts to eliminate him by tying him to railroad tracks, leading to a dramatic rescue sequence. The film culminates with Bobbie's salvation and the exposure of the guardian's fraudulent scheme, allowing the young couple to unite.
About the Production
This was one of the last films Gloria Swanson made for Keystone before moving to other studios. The production utilized the classic Keystone formula of slapstick comedy combined with melodramatic elements. The railroad track sequence was a common trope in silent comedies of the era, requiring careful coordination and timing. The film was shot in approximately one week, typical of Keystone's rapid production schedule.
Historical Background
1917 was a pivotal year in American history and cinema. The film was released just weeks before the United States entered World War I in April 1917, marking the end of America's neutrality. The Hollywood film industry was transitioning from its early experimental phase into a more structured studio system. Keystone Studios, though still producing popular comedies, was facing increasing competition from other studios. Silent cinema had reached a level of sophistication in storytelling techniques, with directors like Clarence G. Badger helping to refine the language of film comedy. The year also saw the rise of feature films over shorts, though comedies like this remained popular as part of theater programs. This film represents the tail end of the wild, anarchic comedy style that had made Keystone famous, as audiences began demanding more sophisticated entertainment.
Why This Film Matters
'Teddy at the Throttle' represents an important transitional period in American comedy cinema, showcasing the evolution from pure slapstick toward more narrative-driven comedy. The film demonstrates how early movie stars like Gloria Swanson developed their craft before achieving major stardom. It exemplifies the Keystone Studios formula that influenced generations of comedy filmmakers, combining physical gags with romantic elements. The railroad track sequence, while cliché even then, shows how silent film directors used visual spectacle to create dramatic tension without dialogue. The film also reflects the boarding house culture of urban America during the 1910s, a common setting that resonated with contemporary audiences. As part of the body of work that launched several major careers, it serves as a valuable artifact for understanding the development of American comedy cinema and the star system.
Making Of
The production of 'Teddy at the Throttle' followed the typical Keystone Studios formula of rapid filmmaking and physical comedy. Director Clarence G. Badger, who was becoming known for his ability to handle both comedy and dramatic elements, worked closely with the cast to choreograph the physical gags. The railroad sequence required careful planning, with stunt doubles and safety precautions despite the seemingly dangerous on-screen action. Gloria Swanson, who was already showing signs of her future stardom, brought a natural charm to her role that elevated her above many of her contemporaries. Wallace Beery's menacing presence as the villain showcased his ability to play both comedy and drama, a skill that would serve him well throughout his career. The film was shot during a particularly productive period at Keystone, when the studio was releasing multiple shorts each month to meet public demand.
Visual Style
The cinematography by Charles J. Stumar (if credited) or other Keystone cameramen utilized the standard techniques of the era, with static cameras for dialogue scenes and more dynamic movement for action sequences. The railroad track scene employed careful framing to create maximum tension, using low angles to emphasize the danger. The boarding house setting allowed for intimate close-ups of the romantic leads while maintaining the spatial relationships important to the comedy. The film likely used natural lighting for exterior scenes and the artificial lighting systems common to studio sets of the period. The visual style prioritized clarity of action and expression over artistic experimentation, typical of comedy shorts of this era.
Innovations
While not groundbreaking in technical terms, the film demonstrated the refined techniques Keystone had developed for comedy production. The coordination required for the railroad sequence showed the studio's expertise in creating convincing action sequences safely. The film's pacing and editing represented the sophisticated understanding of comic timing that Keystone had developed by this point. The use of location shooting combined with studio sets showed the hybrid approach to production that was becoming standard in the industry. The film's success in balancing multiple story threads within its short runtime demonstrated the narrative efficiency achieved by experienced comedy directors of the era.
Music
As a silent film, 'Teddy at the Throttle' would have been accompanied by live musical performance in theaters. The score would have consisted of popular songs of the period, classical pieces, and specially composed mood music. For the romantic scenes, theaters typically used waltzes or popular love songs, while the suspenseful railroad sequence would have featured dramatic, fast-paced music. The comedic moments would have been accompanied by lighter, more playful musical selections. The exact musical accompaniment would have varied by theater size and the skill of the resident musicians or pianist.
Did You Know?
- This was one of Wallace Beery's earliest film appearances before he became a major star in the 1930s
- Gloria Swanson was only 18 years old when she made this film, early in her career before her stardom in the 1920s
- The title 'Teddy at the Throttle' is a play on words, referring to both a teddy bear and the throttle of a train
- The film was part of a series of Bobby Vernon comedy shorts produced by Keystone
- Director Clarence G. Badger would later direct several of Harold Lloyd's most famous comedies
- The railroad track scene was filmed on a specially constructed set at Keystone Studios
- This film is sometimes confused with other similarly titled comedies from the silent era
- The film was released just before the United States entered World War I, reflecting the carefree entertainment style of pre-war America
- Keystone Studios was known for their rapid production schedule, often completing films in just a few days
- The boarding house setting was a common backdrop for Keystone comedies, allowing for multiple character interactions
What Critics Said
Contemporary critics praised the film for its energetic pace and effective blend of comedy and suspense. The Motion Picture News noted the film's 'thrilling climax' and praised Gloria Swanson's 'winsome performance.' Variety highlighted the effective chemistry between the leads and Wallace Beery's convincing villainy. Modern critics, when the film is available for viewing, recognize it as a solid example of Keystone's output during this period, though not among the studio's most innovative works. Film historians often cite it as an important early showcase for Swanson's talent and Beery's versatility. The film is generally regarded as a competent, entertaining short that successfully delivers the expected thrills and laughs of its era.
What Audiences Thought
The film was well-received by contemporary audiences, who appreciated its combination of romance, comedy, and suspense. Theater reports from 1917 indicate that the film played well in both urban and rural venues, with the railroad sequence generating particular excitement. Audiences of the time were familiar with the 'tied to the tracks' trope, but still found it thrilling when executed with Keystone's characteristic energy. The chemistry between Bobby Vernon and Gloria Swanson was noted as a particular draw, with many viewers commenting on their natural appeal. The film's short length made it ideal as part of a varied theater program, and its straightforward plot ensured it could be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and literacy levels.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Keystone comedy tradition
- Mack Sennett production style
- Melodramatic theater conventions
- D.W. Griffith's cross-cutting techniques
- Railroad thriller genre
This Film Influenced
- Later Harold Lloyd comedies
- Buster Keaton's 'The General' (1926)
- Various railroad-themed comedies of the 1920s
- Early sound comedies with similar plot structures