The Big Kick

Plot

Harry Langdon stars as a simple-minded gas station operator who becomes an unlikely hero when federal revenuers engage in a dramatic shootout with bootleggers right outside his station. The clever bootleggers have been smuggling their illegal liquor by hiding it inside mannequins seated in their touring car, a ruse that has kept them one step ahead of the law for years. During the chaotic gun battle, Harry's spunky girlfriend remains outside while the quick-thinking Harry brings the liquor-filled dummies into his station for safety. When the dust settles, Harry and his girlfriend find themselves in possession of the evidence that could finally bring the bootlegging operation to justice, leading them to wonder if their accidental heroism might earn them a substantial reward from the government.

Historical Background

The Big Kick was produced and released during a pivotal moment in American history and cinema. The film debuted in March 1930, just five months after the devastating stock market crash of October 1929 that triggered the Great Depression. This economic catastrophe would profoundly affect the film industry, leading to theater closures and reduced budgets. The film's Prohibition-era bootlegging plot reflected the ongoing national debate over alcohol prohibition, which had been in effect since 1920 and wouldn't be repealed until 1933. In cinema history, 1930 represented a crucial transitional year as the industry fully embraced sound technology, forcing many silent film stars like Harry Langdon to adapt their craft or risk becoming obsolete. The short subject format was still dominant in theaters, with comedy two-reelers serving as popular programming between feature films.

Making Of

The production of 'The Big Kick' took place during a challenging period for comedy filmmakers as the industry adapted to sound technology. Harry Langdon, who had been a major silent comedy star, faced particular difficulties in transitioning his carefully crafted visual comedy style to the sound era. The film's director, Warren Doane, was experienced in both silent and sound comedy production, which helped bridge this transition. The bootlegging theme was deliberately chosen as it was highly relevant to contemporary audiences during Prohibition, providing both comedic potential and social commentary. The production team had to work quickly and efficiently, as short subjects like this were typically produced on tight schedules and budgets to meet the constant demand from theaters for new programming. The use of mannequins as liquor containers required special prop work and staging to create the visual gags effectively.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'The Big Kick' reflects the technical limitations and stylistic conventions of early sound filming. The camera work was likely more static than in late silent films, as early sound recording equipment restricted camera movement. The lighting would have been designed to accommodate the sound recording needs, often requiring brighter illumination than silent films. The visual comedy elements, particularly involving the mannequins and gas station setting, would have been carefully composed to maximize their comedic impact within these technical constraints. The film's visual style would have been typical of Columbia Pictures' short subject productions of this era - functional rather than innovative, focusing on clarity and readability of the comedy sequences.

Innovations

The Big Kick doesn't represent major technical achievements in cinema history, but it does reflect the ongoing technical evolution of early sound filmmaking. The production would have utilized the sound-on-film technology that was replacing the earlier sound-on-disc systems. The film's comedy sequences, particularly those involving the mannequins and action scenes, would have required careful coordination between visual and audio elements - a technical challenge that filmmakers were still mastering in 1930. The use of location-style sets (the gas station) within studio constraints demonstrates the production design capabilities of the era. The film represents the standard technical competence expected from major studio short subject production during this transitional period in cinema technology.

Music

As an early sound film, 'The Big Kick' would have featured a basic soundtrack including dialogue, sound effects, and likely some musical accompaniment. The sound recording technology of 1930 was still relatively primitive, resulting in audio that might seem tinny or limited by modern standards. The film would have included synchronized sound effects for the comedy sequences, particularly during the shootout scenes. Musical elements would likely have been provided by studio musicians, possibly including some popular songs of the era if they fit the narrative. The soundtrack would have been recorded using early sound-on-film technology, which was becoming the industry standard by 1930.

Memorable Scenes

• The shootout sequence at the gas station where federal agents and bootleggers exchange gunfire while Harry Langdon's character attempts to maintain order and protect his property
• The reveal of the bootleggers' clever method of transporting liquor inside mannequins, creating both visual comedy and plot advancement
• Harry's frantic efforts to move the liquor-filled dummies into his station during the chaos, showcasing his character's unexpected resourcefulness

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception for 'The Big Kick' was modest, with reviewers noting Harry Langdon's efforts to adapt his comedy style to sound but suggesting that the transition wasn't entirely successful. Variety and other trade publications of the era typically reviewed short subjects briefly, often focusing on whether they would satisfy theater programming needs. Modern critical assessment of the film is limited, as it remains one of Langdon's lesser-known works from his sound period. Film historians who have examined Langdon's career generally view this period as challenging for the comedian, whose delicate silent comedy style didn't translate as effectively to the sound format as some of his contemporaries' work did.

What Audiences Thought

Audience reception in 1930 would have been influenced by several factors, including Harry Langdon's residual popularity from his silent era fame and the public's appetite for comedy shorts during the Depression. The Prohibition theme likely resonated with viewers who had direct experience with bootlegging and speakeasies. However, Langdon's sound comedies generally didn't achieve the same level of audience enthusiasm as his silent masterpieces. Modern audience reception is minimal due to the film's relative obscurity and limited availability, though classic film enthusiasts and Harry Langdon scholars occasionally seek out his lesser-known sound works to understand the full scope of his career.

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