Bingville is holding a beauty contest and the three finalists are Mary, Dora, and the Village Vamp. Dora's beau Eddie asks Walter, the contest judge, who will win, and is told that Dora will.
Is Fresh Faces worth watching in an era of sophisticated, nuanced comedy? Short answer: absolutely, but with significant caveats. This early silent comedy, a relic from an era where physical gags reigned supreme, offers a fascinating glimpse into the foundations of screen humor, but it's unequivocally not for everyone....
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Comparing the cinematic DNA and archive impact of two defining moments in cult history.
Harold Beaudine
Edgar Jones
Community
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In the bustling, gossip-laden town of Bingville, anticipation builds around a local beauty contest where three distinct personalities vie for the crown: the earnest Mary, the charming Dora, and the enigmatic 'Village Vamp'. Overseeing this spectacle is Walter, the contest judge, a man whose judgment proves far from impartial. He first assures Dora's eager beau, Eddie, that Dora is the sure winner. Then, in a remarkable display of duplicity, Walter visits the barber shop where the Village Vamp works as a manicurist, her father the barber, and confidently predicts her victory. This web of promises sets the stage for a dramatic climax, as the townsfolk gather for the final announcement, unaware of the judge's conflicting declarations. The eventual revelation of Mary as the unexpected victor ignites a furious mêlée among the disgruntled contestants and their supporters, culminating in the complete destruction of the coveted roadster grand prize.
"Is Fresh Faces worth watching in an era of sophisticated, nuanced comedy? Short answer: absolutely, but with significant caveats. This early silent comedy, a relic from an era where physical gags reigned supreme, offers a fascinating glimpse into the foundations of screen humor, but it's unequivocally not for everyone. It’s a film custom-made for cinephiles, historians of comedy, and those with an appreciation for the raw, unpolished energy of silent-era slapstick. If your cinematic palate leans..."
Sig Herzig
United States
