I pretty much agree with Paul’s review on this one. Overall, HIS FIRST FLAME is a perfectly acceptable and enjoyable Harry Langdon film but as a feature, it really feels like an extended two reeler. The build up to Harry eventually getting with Ruth Hiatt is cute and funny, but also a bit sudden and shallow compared to say, the search Langdon had in finding Mary Brown and their dramatic coming together in THE STRONG MAN. Compare these two scenarios and that is what I mean by an extended two reeler versus a well thought out feature. As far as Langdon and Natalie Kingston, were they ever in the same shot together excluding when she was in a car about to drive away and Langdon was on the outside? If so, I don’t recall. Perhaps their lack of screen time together, considering the relationship, is appropriate.
The thing is, every Sennett feature I have seen with male comedians as the star is like this. Enjoyable but very workmanlike. I have yet to see MICKEY, definitely the biggest hole in my silent comedy viewing experience based on importance, but THE EXTRA GIRL seems to have a little more thought in it. Perhaps Sennett had more inspiration on a personal level working with Mabel and it inspired him more professionally. Just typing out loud here, I don’t know. But yeah, Sennett, from what I can gather, made passable features for long time silent comedy fans, but not the kind of thing you introduce silent comedy with like THE GOLD RUSH.
But as far as HIS FIRST FLAME goes, there are some nice Langdon moments here. My favorite is definitely when Langdon visits old friend Bud Jamison and wife Dot Farley. It’s perfect for Langdon, being around all this domestic violence and being a helpless bystander. A perfect situation for Langdon to merely react, which is what makes the scene so wonderful. Without Langdon’s presence, the scene would verge on wild melodrama. With Langdon, it’s comedy. Also love the bit where Langdon’s flowers get cut off in the car and how long it takes Langdon to realize it. Great scene at the beginning when Langdon gives his speech. His awkward not knowing what to do before the speech begins is typically wonderful Langdon and all the moving around and various gestures he does during the speech - basically anything but sit still, is worthy.
HIS FIRST FLAME is good Langdon, but man, I really can’t wait to discuss THREE’S A CROWD.