Why Girls Say No
Plot
In this silent comedy short, Max Davidson plays a Jewish father who becomes increasingly anxious about his daughter's romantic prospects when she begins receiving attention from multiple suitors. The father's protective instincts go into overdrive as he attempts to vet each potential boyfriend, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and mishaps. When his daughter finally reveals her true choice of partner, the father must confront his own prejudices and accept that his daughter knows what's best for her. The film culminates in a heartwarming resolution where the father learns to trust his daughter's judgment and embrace her happiness.
About the Production
This was one of the many short comedies produced by Hal Roach Studios during the silent era, featuring Max Davidson in his signature role as a Jewish patriarch. The film was typical of Roach's two-reel comedies that ran approximately 20 minutes and were designed to be shown as supporting features before main attractions.
Historical Background
1927 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the end of the silent era and the beginning of the sound revolution. The film was released just months before 'The Jazz Singer' premiered in October 1927, forever changing the industry. This period saw the peak of short comedy production, with studios like Hal Roach churning out dozens of two-reelers annually. The film also reflects the ethnic humor popular in 1920s America, when stereotypes were commonly used in comedy, though Davidson's performances were generally seen as affectionate rather than mean-spirited. The year also saw the formation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, signaling cinema's growing cultural importance.
Why This Film Matters
While not a landmark film, 'Why Girls Say No' represents an important example of the ethnic comedy shorts that were popular in the 1920s. These films provided representation for immigrant communities and helped normalize diverse characters in American cinema. Max Davidson's character, while stereotypical, was often portrayed with dignity and warmth, challenging the more malicious caricatures common in earlier films. The film also showcases Leo McCarey's early development as a comedy director who would later influence generations of filmmakers. It stands as a testament to the rich ecosystem of short comedy that existed before the transition to sound changed the industry forever.
Making Of
Leo McCarey was still early in his directing career when he made this short, having previously worked as a writer and gag man for Hal Roach. McCarey's background in vaudeville and his sharp comedic timing helped shape the film's pacing. Max Davidson, a veteran character actor, brought authenticity to his portrayal of a Jewish father, drawing from his own background. The production was typical of Roach's efficient studio system, with most shorts being completed in just a few days. The film's success led to more Davidson-McCarey collaborations, though McCarey would soon move on to feature films and greater acclaim.
Visual Style
The cinematography was typical of Hal Roach Studios' workmanlike approach to short comedies - clear, functional, and focused on capturing the performers' expressions and movements. The film likely employed stationary cameras with occasional tracking shots to follow the action. Lighting was designed to highlight the actors' faces, crucial for conveying emotion in silent film. The visual style prioritized clarity over artistic experimentation, ensuring the comedy would read well in theaters of varying quality.
Innovations
The film represents the refinement of the two-reel comedy format that Hal Roach Studios had perfected. While not groundbreaking technically, it demonstrates the efficient production methods that allowed Roach to maintain high quality while producing large quantities of shorts. The film's editing and pacing show the sophisticated understanding of comic timing that would become McCarey's trademark.
Music
As a silent film, it had no recorded soundtrack but would have been accompanied by live music in theaters. The typical accompaniment would have included popular songs of the era, classical pieces, and original cues composed by the theater's music director. The music would have been synchronized to enhance the comedic timing and emotional beats of the story.
Famous Quotes
As a silent film, dialogue was conveyed through intertitles. Specific quotes are not widely documented, but the film featured typical intertitles expressing the father's worries and the daughter's explanations.
Memorable Scenes
- The sequence where the father interrogates each suitor, growing increasingly exasperated with their responses
- The climactic scene where the daughter reveals her true choice, leading to the father's emotional acceptance
- The opening sequence establishing the father's anxiety about his daughter's dating life
Did You Know?
- This was one of over 20 short comedies that Max Davidson made for Hal Roach Studios between 1925-1928
- Leo McCarey, who directed this short, would later become one of Hollywood's most respected directors, winning Oscars for 'The Awful Truth' and 'Going My Way'
- The film was part of a popular series of 'Jewish comedy' shorts that capitalized on Max Davidson's persona as a fretful, overprotective father
- Marjorie Daw, who plays the daughter, was a popular actress of the 1910s and 1920s who successfully transitioned from leading lady to character roles
- The film's title refers to the running joke about the various reasons the daughter gives for rejecting suitors, which frustrates her father
- Like many silent shorts of the era, the film featured original musical accompaniment that varied by theater
- The film was released just months before 'The Jazz Singer' would revolutionize cinema with sound
- Hal Roach Studios was known as 'The Lot of Fun' and was responsible for launching the careers of Harold Lloyd, Laurel and Hardy, and Our Gang
- This film is considered part of McCarey's early work that helped develop his skills in comedy timing and character development
What Critics Said
Contemporary reviews were generally positive, with trade papers like Variety and Motion Picture News praising the film's gentle humor and Davidson's performance. Critics noted the film's warm-hearted approach to family comedy and its avoidance of mean-spirited stereotypes. Modern assessments view the film as a competent example of its genre, valuable primarily for showcasing early work by Leo McCarey and Max Davidson's signature performance style. While not considered a masterpiece, it's regarded as an important artifact of 1920s comedy cinema.
What Audiences Thought
The film was well-received by audiences of its time, particularly those who enjoyed Max Davidson's recurring character. Jewish audiences reportedly appreciated the affectionate portrayal of family life, while general audiences responded to the universal themes of parental concern and young romance. The film performed solidly as part of theater double bills, helping maintain Davidson's popularity as a comedy star during the mid-1920s.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Other Max Davidson comedies for Hal Roach
- Contemporary ethnic comedy shorts
- Vaudeville comedy traditions
This Film Influenced
- Later Max Davidson shorts
- Other Hal Roach ethnic comedies
- Early sound family comedies
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Film Restoration
The film is believed to survive in archives, though it may not be widely available to the public. Many Hal Roach shorts from this period have been preserved through various archives and private collections. The film exists in 16mm and possibly 35mm prints, though a fully restored version may not be available.