There He Goes

Plot

In this three-reel silent comedy short, Harry Langdon plays a naive and bumbling character who becomes entangled in a series of comedic misadventures. The plot follows Langdon's character as he attempts to navigate through various social situations, each leading to increasingly absurd circumstances and physical comedy. His innocent demeanor and childlike reactions create chaos wherever he goes, much to the amusement of those around him. The film builds to a climactic sequence where Langdon's character must resolve the complications he has unintentionally created. Through his characteristic blend of pathos and slapstick, Langdon ultimately finds himself in yet another predicament as the film concludes.

Historical Background

1925 was a pivotal year in American cinema, marking the height of the silent era just before the transition to sound films began. The film industry was booming, with Hollywood firmly established as the center of film production. Comedy was one of the most popular genres, with stars like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Harry Langdon dominating the box office. Mack Sennett, known as 'The King of Comedy,' was still a major force in Hollywood, though his influence was beginning to wane as newer studios and production methods emerged. The year 1925 also saw significant technological advances in film equipment, though the basic production methods for shorts like 'There He Goes' remained largely unchanged from the previous decade. The Roaring Twenties cultural climate, with its emphasis on entertainment and escapism, created the perfect environment for comedy films to flourish.

Making Of

The production of 'There He Goes' took place during a particularly fertile period in Harry Langdon's career, when he was working extensively with director Harry Edwards at Mack Sennett Studios. Edwards had a unique understanding of Langdon's comedic style, which relied heavily on his childlike innocence and slow-burn reactions rather than the fast-paced slapstick typical of many Sennett comedies. The filming process was relatively quick, as was standard for comedy shorts of the era, with most scenes requiring only one or two takes due to the actors' experience with physical comedy. Langdon's meticulous approach to his character meant he would often rehearse scenes extensively before filming, ensuring his signature timing and facial expressions were perfectly calibrated. The production team at Sennett's Edendale studio was well-versed in creating comedy shorts, allowing for efficient shooting schedules despite the complex physical gags required.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'There He Goes' was typical of Mack Sennett productions of the mid-1920s, utilizing stationary cameras for most scenes with occasional tracking shots to follow action sequences. The film was shot in black and white on 35mm film, with the standard aspect ratio of 1.33:1. Lighting was generally bright and even, as was common for comedy films of the era, ensuring that the actors' expressions and physical gags were clearly visible. The camera work was functional rather than artistic, focusing on capturing the comedy rather than creating visual poetry. Some exterior scenes took advantage of natural California sunlight, while interior scenes used the standard three-point lighting system. The cinematographer, likely a regular Sennett crew member, would have been experienced in capturing physical comedy and timing shots to maximize comedic effect.

Innovations

There are no notable technical achievements associated with 'There He Goes.' The film employed standard production techniques and technology typical for comedy shorts of 1925. The three-reel format was slightly longer than the standard two-reel comedy short, requiring more careful pacing and story development, but this was not particularly innovative. The film did utilize some location shooting around Los Angeles, which was becoming increasingly common but was not groundbreaking. Any special effects would have been simple in-camera tricks or practical effects, as was standard for comedy productions of the era. The film's technical aspects were competent but unremarkable, focusing on serving the comedy rather than pushing technical boundaries.

Music

As a silent film, 'There He Goes' had no recorded soundtrack. During its original theatrical run, the film would have been accompanied by live musical performance, typically a piano or organ in smaller theaters and a small orchestra in larger venues. The musical accompaniment would have consisted of popular songs of the era, classical pieces, and specially composed mood music timed to the on-screen action. Theater musicians would have used cue sheets provided by the studio to synchronize the music with key moments in the film. The music would have been upbeat and lively during comedy sequences and more sentimental during moments when Langdon's character expressed pathos. No specific musical scores or cue sheets for this particular film are known to survive, which is common for shorts of this period.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Langdon's character encounters his first complication of the film, establishing his signature style of reacting to situations with childlike confusion and innocence

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of 'There He Goes' were generally positive, with critics praising Harry Langdon's unique comedic style and his ability to generate laughter through subtle facial expressions and timing rather than overt physical comedy. The Motion Picture News noted Langdon's 'inimitable style of comedy' and predicted continued success for the rising star. Variety, while acknowledging the film's entertainment value, suggested that Langdon's particular brand of humor might not appeal to all audiences. Modern critics and film historians view the film as a solid example of Langdon's work during his peak period, though it's not considered among his most memorable or innovative shorts. The film is often cited as representative of the Harry Langdon-Harry Edwards collaboration period, which produced many of Langdon's most successful shorts.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1925 responded warmly to 'There He Goes,' as they did to most Harry Langdon vehicles during his period of peak popularity. Theater owners reported good attendance for Langdon films, with audiences particularly enjoying his gentle, childlike approach to comedy. The film's release during the summer months meant it played to vacation crowds and matinee audiences who were particularly receptive to light entertainment. Langdon's appeal was strongest with female audiences, who found his innocent persona endearing. However, some audience members found his slow-paced style less engaging than the more energetic comedies of his contemporaries. The film's success at the box office contributed to Langdon's growing reputation as a major comedy star and helped justify his subsequent move to the more prestigious Paramount Pictures.

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