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6.7/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.7/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Don't Be Nervous remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Okay, so _Don't Be Nervous_? Yeah, it's worth a look if you're into really old, fast silent comedies. We're talking forgotten gems, the kind where everyone moves a bit too quick. If you like classic slapstick, people falling over things, and mistaken identity hijinks, you'll probably get a kick out of this. But if you need polished dialogue or a story that makes perfect sense, you'll probably be bored stiff. It's definitely not for everyone. 🤷♀️
Lloyd Hamilton, playing both our mild-mannered Vernon Snodgrass and the notorious 'Nick the Shiek,' really sells the frantic energy. One minute, Vernon's just chilling, newspaper in hand. Then boom, he sees his own face staring back, but it's a criminal. The police, of course, are right there.
The chase scene is a whirlwind, Vernon just scrambling, then ducks into a window. And what a window! It's Nick's hideout. Of course it is. The coincidence factor here is off the charts, but that's the charm of these old films, isn't it?
He tries to bluff his way through, pretending to be Nick. It's a silly, desperate attempt, and for a bit, it almost works. The gangsters are ready to 'take him for a ride,' which is a nice, subtle way of saying... well, you know. But then, conveniently, a note from rival 'Smokey O'Brien' shows up. Threatening stuff. So, they let Vernon go. Gotta deal with Smokey first, I guess. Priorities.
Then Nick's moll swoops in, totally convinced Vernon is her man. She just whisks him away to her apartment. No questions asked. You gotta love that silent film logic. It really just happens, no explanation needed.
This apartment becomes the stage for the big showdown. Nick and his gang show up. Then Smokey and his gang. Everyone has a blackjack. Seriously, where do they keep them all? It's a full-on brawl, just a mess of flailing limbs and blunt objects.
Vernon stumbles on a box of tear gas bombs. And just sets them off. Poof. Instant chaos. Everyone's blubbering. The police show up right then, perfect timing, totally blinded by the gas.
It's all very silly. The acting is big. Lloyd Hamilton's expressions, especially as Vernon, are just gold. You can almost feel him thinking, 'How did I get here?' His portrayal of the gangster, Nick, is a bit more restrained, but still gives off that slick, menacing vibe.
The film moves so fast. Like someone hit fast-forward on the projector and forgot to turn it off. There's no time to think, just to react to the next ridiculous thing happening. The pacing keeps things from ever getting boring, even if the plot is, well, thin.
Honestly, the blackjack fight is the highlight for me. Just the sheer absurdity of it. No guns, no knives, just everyone whaling on each other with these little leather clubs. It's almost balletic in its goofy violence. The way the scene unfolds, it’s like a meticulously choreographed chaos.
And the tear gas ending? A brilliant way to wrap up the mess. Everyone crying, unable to fight. It's a proper silent film chaotic resolution. A truly unique way to stop a gang war.
This isn't a film you'd sit down and analyze for deep meaning. It's a quick, punchy, very old comedy that just wants to make you grin at the sheer audacity of its plot turns. If you’re studying early film techniques, or just really like a good bit of old-fashioned physical comedy, this is for you. Otherwise, it might just feel a bit... dated. Which, fair enough, it is. But sometimes, a bit of dated chaos is exactly what you need. ✨
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