Film & Shorts Discussions > Random Comedy Reviews

The Strong Man (1926) - Harry Langdon

<< < (2/2)

HomokHarcos:
I read a biography of Langdon, and what surprised me is that this movie was a pretty big hit, both commercially and financially. Variety even named it one of the best movies of the year. Harry was a big star at this point.

The story is a feel good one, and the theme of having the underdog triumph at the end is an argument I've heard for why this should be considered Frank Capra's artistic achievement. While there's no doubt for me that he may have had a role in that, I think Harry should certainly receive some of the credit as his performance is fantastic as usual.

My favorite comic piece is when Gertrude Astor is trying to pickpocket him. Harry is of course confused and scared by this. I think Harry had my favorite vamps of any silent comedian, and are always very memorable. I agree with Umbrella Sam about Priscilla Bonner's relationship with Harry. I think it actually works better than Chaplin in City Lights.

metaldams:

--- Quote from: HomokHarcos on June 30, 2022, 10:41:23 PM ---I read a biography of Langdon, and what surprised me is that this movie was a pretty big hit, both commercially and financially. Variety even named it one of the best movies of the year. Harry was a big star at this point.

The story is a feel good one, and the theme of having the underdog triumph at the end is an argument I've heard for why this should be considered Frank Capra's artistic achievement. While there's no doubt for me that he may have had a role in that, I think Harry should certainly receive some of the credit as his performance is fantastic as usual.

My favorite comic piece is when Gertrude Astor is trying to pickpocket him. Harry is of course confused and scared by this. I think Harry had my favorite vamps of any silent comedian, and are always very memorable. I agree with Umbrella Sam about Priscilla Bonner's relationship with Harry. I think it actually works better than Chaplin in City Lights.

--- End quote ---

Some people obsess over the commercial fortunes of Langdon as far as judging his work, more so than other comedians.  As a counter, who here judges SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK over THE GENERAL?  But yes, THE STRONG MAN is definitely the commercial peak.

Umbrella Sam:

--- Quote from: HomokHarcos on June 30, 2022, 10:41:23 PM ---I read a biography of Langdon, and what surprised me is that this movie was a pretty big hit, both commercially and financially. Variety even named it one of the best movies of the year. Harry was a big star at this point.

The story is a feel good one, and the theme of having the underdog triumph at the end is an argument I've heard for why this should be considered Frank Capra's artistic achievement. While there's no doubt for me that he may have had a role in that, I think Harry should certainly receive some of the credit as his performance is fantastic as usual.

My favorite comic piece is when Gertrude Astor is trying to pickpocket him. Harry is of course confused and scared by this. I think Harry had my favorite vamps of any silent comedian, and are always very memorable. I agree with Umbrella Sam about Priscilla Bonner's relationship with Harry. I think it actually works better than Chaplin in City Lights.

--- End quote ---

What really surprised me reading more about Langdon was the fact that TRAMP, TRAMP, TRAMP was a box office failure. For the longest time, I was under the impression that the first three First Nationals were box office hits and only the last three bombed. I guess we should be grateful that THE STRONG MAN got made at all and First National didn’t cut ties immediately after TRAMP, TRAMP, TRAMP.

Big Chief Apumtagribonitz:
I have never read you guys as more erudite and on point as you are here.  All of you.  Seriously, this has been a pleasure to read, and I've never seen the movie.  This is next level stuff, congratulations and thank you very much.

metaldams:

--- Quote from: Big Chief Apumtagribonitz on August 08, 2022, 08:01:20 PM ---I have never read you guys as more erudite and on point as you are here.  All of you.  Seriously, this has been a pleasure to read, and I've never seen the movie.  This is next level stuff, congratulations and thank you very much.

--- End quote ---

Thanks Big Chief, appreciate that.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page