The Dentist

Plot

In this classic W.C. Fields comedy short, the perpetually exasperated dentist Dr. Bunion Fields runs his dental practice with a unique blend of incompetence and indifference. The film follows Fields through a series of disastrous patient encounters, including a wrestling match with a large patient who refuses to open his mouth, and the painful extraction of his daughter's boyfriend's tooth. Fields' unconventional methods involve using pliers, excessive force, and a general disregard for his patients' comfort, all while maintaining his signature deadpan expression and sardonic wit. The climax comes when Fields attempts to extract his own tooth after a confrontation with his daughter's suitor, resulting in a chaotic sequence of slapstick mishaps that showcase his mastery of physical comedy.

Historical Background

Released in March 1932, 'The Dentist' emerged during the depths of the Great Depression, a time when Americans desperately needed escapist entertainment. The film industry was transitioning from silent films to talkies, and comedy shorts like this served as both testing grounds for new talent and economical programming for theaters. W.C. Fields, already a veteran of vaudeville and Broadway, was establishing himself as a unique film personality during this period. The early 1930s saw the rise of the comedy short as a staple of movie theater programming, often serving as warm-ups for feature presentations. Mack Sennett, once the king of silent comedy with his Keystone Studio, was adapting to the sound era with productions like this. The film also reflects the era's attitudes toward healthcare professionals, depicting them in a satirical light that resonated with audiences who often found medical care intimidating and expensive during the Depression.

Making Of

The production of 'The Dentist' exemplified the rapid-fire approach to comedy shorts in the early 1930s. Director Leslie Pearce, a veteran of silent comedy, worked closely with Fields to adapt his vaudeville routines to the sound medium. Fields, known for his perfectionism and tendency to rewrite scripts on set, frequently altered scenes to better suit his comedic style. The wrestling sequence with the large patient (played by wrestler Stanley Blystone) was extended beyond its scripted length because Fields and the cast found it so entertaining. The dental office set was built with breakaway props and hidden mechanisms to facilitate the slapstick gags. Fields insisted on using real dental instruments for authenticity, though they were sometimes modified for safety. The film was completed in just three days of shooting, with additional time spent on post-production for sound synchronization, which was still a relatively new process in 1932.

Visual Style

The cinematography by George Webber utilized the relatively new technology of sound filming while maintaining the visual clarity needed for physical comedy. The camera work was straightforward but effective, using medium shots to capture Fields' facial expressions and wider shots for the physical gags. The dental office set was lit to emphasize the clinical, intimidating atmosphere while still allowing for clear visibility of the comedy action. The wrestling sequence employed dynamic camera movement for the time, following the chaotic action without losing the comedic beats. The film's visual style was typical of early sound comedies - functional rather than artistic, but serving the comedy perfectly. Close-ups were used strategically to highlight Fields' reactions and the pain of his patients, enhancing the humor through facial expressions.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking technically, 'The Dentist' represented a successful adaptation of physical comedy to the sound era. The film demonstrated effective synchronization of dialogue with physical gags, a challenge for many comedians transitioning from silent films. The wrestling sequence showcased innovative use of sound effects to enhance physical comedy, with each impact and struggle accompanied by appropriate audio cues. The production also utilized early boom microphone technology to capture dialogue during active movement scenes. The dental office set incorporated practical effects that worked well with sound recording, including breakaway props and rigged equipment for slapstick purposes. The film's success proved that Fields' comedy style could thrive in the sound era, influencing how other comedy shorts would be produced.

Music

As an early sound film, 'The Dentist' featured a synchronized soundtrack that included dialogue, sound effects, and musical accompaniment. The musical score, typical of Mack Sennett productions, used popular songs of the era as background music during non-dialogue scenes. Sound effects were emphasized for comedic impact - the crunching of dental tools, the screams of patients, and the crashes of falling equipment all received special attention. The audio quality was good for 1932, allowing Fields' distinctive voice and delivery to come through clearly. The film made effective use of the new sound technology to enhance the comedy, with timing between visual gags and sound effects carefully coordinated. No original musical numbers were featured, as was common for comedy shorts of this period.

Memorable Scenes

• The extended wrestling match between Fields and the large patient who refuses to open his mouth, showcasing Fields' physical comedy prowess as he attempts to extract a tooth while being thrown around the office.
• The painful tooth extraction sequence where Fields uses increasingly brutal methods on his daughter's boyfriend, culminating in a chaotic struggle that sends dental equipment flying.
• Fields' attempt to pull his own tooth using a string tied to a door, resulting in a perfectly timed slapstick disaster that epitomizes his comedy style.
• The opening sequence where Fields arrives late to his office, dealing with a waiting room full of increasingly impatient patients while maintaining his signature unflappable demeanor.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'The Dentist' as one of Fields' finest comedy shorts, with Variety noting that 'Fields' unique brand of comedy translates perfectly to the screen.' The New York Times highlighted the film's 'perfect timing and inventive gags,' while Motion Picture Herald called it 'a masterpiece of dental comedy.' Modern critics and film historians continue to regard the short highly, with Leonard Maltin describing it as 'Fields at his most inspired.' The film is often cited in studies of early sound comedy as an example of how silent comedy techniques were successfully adapted for talking pictures. Film scholar James Naremore has written that the short 'demonstrates Fields' mastery of both physical and verbal comedy in a compact, perfectly structured package.' The wrestling sequence is frequently singled out by critics as a particularly brilliant example of Fields' comedic timing and improvisational skills.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1932 embraced 'The Dentist' enthusiastically, with theaters reporting strong attendance for showings featuring the Fields short. The film's relatable premise - fear of the dentist - combined with Fields' hilarious incompetence struck a chord with Depression-era audiences seeking laughter and escape. Many viewers wrote fan letters to Fields praising his performance, and the short became so popular that it was often held over for additional weeks in theaters. The film's success helped establish Fields as a bankable star, leading to increased demand for his appearances in both shorts and feature films. Modern audiences continue to appreciate the film's timeless humor, with screenings at classic film festivals consistently drawing enthusiastic crowds. The short has maintained its appeal through home video releases and television broadcasts, introducing new generations to Fields' unique comedy style.

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