REMEMBER WHEN is another fine Harry Langdon short that feels like a transition into features, as there’s a lot of straight storytelling and less laughs. Well, it turns out the very next film that was shot after this, if not released, was HIS FIRST FLAME, Langdon’s first filmed feature. So yes, at this point, Langdon really was eyeing bigger things. Want to make a couple of comedic comparisons on this one with both Chaplin and Lloyd.
In the case of Chaplin, the influence is obvious. Langdon is a homeless guy, little bag carrying his meager belongings on a stick hunched over his shoulder, walking around whatever dirt road he stumbles upon. Langdon being influenced by Chaplin is obvious here. However, one can argue perhaps Langdon also influenced Chaplin as well. The traveling circus setting brings to mind Chaplin’s feature THE CIRCUS - which had not yet gone into production. Also notice the way Langdon gets Vernon Dent’s attention and offered a job in the circus. Langdon gets stung by bees and (his stunt double) as a result does all these backflips and cartwheels and what not. Dent, impressed by Langdon’s physicality, gives him a job. Chaplin is only funny and gets a job because a donkey is chasing him around the circus, causing him to make the audience laugh as a result. So in both cases, whatever talents the comedians are perceived to have are initiated by accident from the insect/animal kingdom. So yes, a case where it’s probably safe to say Chaplin influenced Langdon and vice versa.
As far as Lloyd, I’m glad we just watched NOW OR NEVER because it’s fresh in my mind. Notice both films have childhood flashback sequences where the comedian is with their sweetheart. The difference is how they meet up as adults. With Lloyd, it’s instant recognition, never mind the years apart and the changes of puberty making the characters perhaps not as recognizable as they should be - at least instantly. Harold sees Mildred at the train station and it’s instant they’re back together, no hassle or anything. Love, in a lot of these shorts, comes easily for Lloyd - that would change as the features go on. But in Langdon’s case. You got her fake beard so Langdon most definitely doesn’t recognize her. She sees adult Langdon, nothing instant. In this case, we get the whole idea of Langdon going to the orphanage, hearing her story, getting the letter, removing her beard. Once this happens, the story is over. Them getting together is the big finish. When Lloyd sees Mildred, the story just begins, them getting together is obvious. So yes, two different approaches to a similar plot device.
