Director's Spotlight
Archivist John
Senior Editor

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1926 Vision of Norman Taurog
Analyzing Lickety Split (1926) requires a deep dive into the defining moment in Comedy history that Norman Taurog helped create. Defining a new era of United States artistic expression, it transcends regional boundaries to tell a universal story.
In Lickety Split, Norman Taurog pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
In this work, Norman Taurog explores the intersection of Comedy and United States cultural identity. The meticulous attention to detail suggests a deep-seated commitment to pushing the boundaries of the medium, ensuring that Lickety Split remains a relevant topic of study for Comedy enthusiasts.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Slow-Burn |
| Art Direction | Brutalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Norman Taurog's style and the core Comedy narrative.
The son of the proprietor of a big ice business has just returned from an exploring expedition around the plant in search of a warm spot when his father appears with a friend who manufacturers auto polos. The latter's daughter and her suitor make up the balance of the party. Lige, the ice man's son, is instantly smitten with the daughter of the auto manufacturer and immediately proceeds to show her suitor what a slippery place an ice plant can be. The suitor shows up very badly in the slapstick that follows and the daughter voices the opinion that she would like to have Lige play on her father's team at that afternoon's polo game. This remark does not please the suitor and he asks her for the last time to marry him. On her refusal, he decides to play on the opposite side in order to take out his wrath on Lige. An exciting game follows and after many a tumble and narrow escape from the pursuit of his enemy, Lige emerges a hero and wins the fair lady's hand.
Decades after its release, Lickety Split remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Norman Taurog's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.