The Pride of Pikeville
"The Cross-Eyed Casanova Who Couldn't Escape Love!"
Plot
In this silent comedy gem, Ben Turpin plays a mild-mannered small-town resident who unexpectedly becomes the object of affection for numerous beautiful women in Pikeville. Despite his unassuming appearance and famous crossed eyes, Turpin's character finds himself in increasingly absurd situations as he navigates unwanted romantic attention. The comedy escalates as he attempts to escape his admirers while maintaining his dignity in the face of overwhelming female pursuit. Andy Clyde co-stars as his bewildered friend who can't understand the sudden popularity of his unremarkable companion. Thelma Hill adds to the romantic confusion as one of the many ladies vying for Turpin's attention, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and slapstick encounters throughout the town.
About the Production
This film was produced during the peak of Ben Turpin's popularity with Mack Sennett's studio. The production utilized Sennett's famous bathing beauties for the female roles, creating a stark comedic contrast with Turpin's unconventional appearance. The film was shot quickly, typical of Sennett's two-reel comedy production schedule, with minimal retakes to maintain the spontaneous feel of the gags.
Historical Background
Released in 1927, 'The Pride of Pikeville' emerged during a pivotal moment in cinema history. The film industry was on the cusp of the sound revolution, with 'The Jazz Singer' premiering later that same year. This transitional period marked the end of the golden age of silent comedy, and films like this represented the refinement of purely visual humor that had been perfected over the previous decade. The Roaring Twenties cultural atmosphere, with its emphasis on fun, frivolity, and changing social mores regarding romance and courtship, provided the perfect backdrop for this comedy about romantic pursuit. The film also reflected the small-town values that remained important to American audiences even as urbanization accelerated throughout the decade.
Why This Film Matters
While not as historically significant as the works of Chaplin, Keaton, or Lloyd, 'The Pride of Pikeville' represents an important example of the Mack Sennett comedy style that influenced generations of filmmakers. The film exemplifies the 'unlikely hero' archetype that would become a staple of American comedy, where ordinary characters find themselves in extraordinary situations. Ben Turpin's success with his physical abnormality challenged conventional ideas about screen attractiveness and demonstrated that comedy could transcend traditional notions of leading man appeal. The film also captures the essence of 1920s small-town America, preserving a vision of community life that would soon be transformed by the Great Depression and World War II.
Making Of
The production of 'The Pride of Pikeville' was typical of Mack Sennett's efficient comedy factory approach. Director Alfred J. Goulding, known for his quick shooting style, completed filming in just a few days. Ben Turpin, despite being one of Sennett's highest-paid stars, was known for his professionalism and ability to perform his own stunts. The film's many chase scenes through the fictional Pikeville sets were physically demanding for Turpin, who was in his early 50s at the time. Thelma Hill, a Sennett regular, brought her considerable comedic timing to the role, having worked with Turpin in several previous productions. The film's gags were largely improvised on set, a common practice in Sennett comedies, with the director encouraging spontaneous reactions from the actors to enhance the comedic effect.
Visual Style
The cinematography, typical of Sennett productions, was functional rather than artistic, focusing on clearly capturing the physical comedy. Wide shots were used extensively during chase sequences to ensure audiences could follow the chaotic action. The camera work was static by modern standards, as was common in 1927, with minimal camera movement. The film did employ some innovative techniques for the time, including brief point-of-view shots from Turpin's perspective to emphasize his confusion and the overwhelming nature of his situation.
Innovations
While not groundbreaking technically, the film demonstrated the refinement of comedy filmmaking techniques by the late 1920s. The editing was particularly sharp, with tight pacing that maintained comedic momentum throughout the short runtime. The film made effective use of multiple camera setups for chase sequences, allowing for dynamic coverage of the physical comedy. The makeup work on Turpin, enhancing his natural crossed eyes for maximum comic effect, was subtle but effective.
Music
As a silent film, 'The Pride of Pikeville' would have been accompanied by live musical performance in theaters. The original cue sheets suggested a mix of popular songs of the era and classical pieces, with faster tempos during chase scenes and romantic melodies during the pursuit sequences. The score was designed to enhance the comedy, with musical stings accompanying key gags and dramatic moments. Modern screenings typically use compiled period-appropriate music or newly composed scores that maintain the spirit of silent film accompaniment.
Famous Quotes
As a silent film, dialogue was conveyed through intertitles. Key intertitle text included: 'When love comes knocking, even the most unlikely door may open!' and 'In Pikeville, every man is a hero to somebody!'
Memorable Scenes
- The opening scene where Turpin first realizes he's being followed by multiple women, his crossed eyes creating a perfect comedic expression of confusion and panic. The extended chase sequence through the town square, featuring Turpin attempting to hide from his admirers in increasingly ridiculous locations. The climactic scene where all the pursuing women finally corner Turpin, leading to a chaotic resolution involving the entire town population.
Did You Know?
- Ben Turpin's crossed eyes were not just a comedic gimmick - he actually had strabismus and reportedly insured his famous feature for $25,000 with Lloyd's of London.
- Director Alfred J. Goulding was an Australian who began his career working with Charlie Chaplin before becoming a prolific comedy director.
- The film was part of Sennett's strategy to keep his comedy stars relevant as the industry transitioned toward sound films.
- Pikeville was a fictional town name commonly used in Sennett comedies to represent a typical American small town.
- This was one of the last major silent comedies Turpin made before his career declined with the advent of sound.
- The film's title plays on the concept of 'pride' in a small town, where any local celebrity becomes a source of community pride.
- Mack Sennett originally discovered Ben Turpin when he was working as a janitor at the Biograph Studio.
- The film featured several of Sennett's famous 'bathing beauties' in uncredited roles as Turpin's pursuers.
- Turpin reportedly earned $1,000 per week for this film, a substantial sum for a comedy actor in 1927.
- The film's comedic premise was later reused in various forms by other comedy stars, including Harold Lloyd.
What Critics Said
Contemporary reviews were generally positive, with trade publications like Variety praising Turpin's comedic timing and the film's brisk pace. The Motion Picture News noted that 'The Pride of Pikeville' delivered exactly what audiences expected from a Sennett comedy - plenty of laughs and harmless entertainment. Modern critics have viewed the film as a solid example of its genre, with film historian Leonard Maltin describing it as 'typical but enjoyable Turpin fare.' The film is often cited in discussions about how physical comedy evolved from the broad slapstick of the 1910s to the more nuanced humor of the late silent era.
What Audiences Thought
The film was well-received by audiences in 1927, particularly those who were fans of Ben Turpin's unique style of comedy. Theater reports indicated strong attendance, especially in smaller towns where the Pikeville setting resonated with local viewers. Audiences appreciated the film's straightforward humor and the contrast between Turpin's appearance and his unexpected romantic success. The film's short running time made it popular as part of double bills, and its universal theme of being pursued by unwanted admirers struck a chord with viewers of all ages.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Mack Sennett's Keystone comedy style
- Charlie Chaplin's tramp character
- Buster Keaton's deadpan humor
- Harold Lloyd's everyman comedy
This Film Influenced
- Later Ben Turpin comedies
- Mack Sennett's subsequent two-reelers
- 1930s screwball comedies
- Modern romantic comedies featuring unlikely protagonists
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Film Restoration
The film is believed to be partially preserved, with some sources indicating that complete prints exist in film archives, while others suggest only fragments survive. The Library of Congress and the UCLA Film and Television Archive are believed to hold copies or fragments of the film. As with many silent comedies, preservation status varies, and some versions may be incomplete or in poor condition.