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Cult Review
Senior Film Conservator
Goat Getters, a film of unbridled whimsy, unfurls as a series of intricately woven misadventures, pitting the ingenuity of two nursery assistants, Jackie and Tom, against the exasperated Mayor. Their playground, a nursery equipped with an automated bathing and dressing machine, as well as cubby-holes for each infant, becomes a hotbed of creative pranks and mayhem.
The film deftly balances humor and chaos, as Jackie and Tom's antics gradually escalate, prompting the Mayor to temporarily relocate to Restwell Springs. However, the dynamic duo, accompanied by a few rambunctious babies, pursues, hell-bent on resuming their troublemaking.
The Mayor, in desperation, calls a council meeting to propose an ordinance prohibiting babies from being born under twenty years of age. In a masterstroke of mischief, Jackie and Tom substitute a hornet's nest for a roast, successfully disrupting the proceedings. As the Mayor chases the kids into the woods, their determination for revenge only intensifies.
Their next plan involves donning a bear skin to frighten the Mayor, but when a real bear emerges from the woods, the tables are turned. The Mayor and sanitarium guests, suddenly 'cured' of their ailments, scramble for safety in a scene of utter pandemonium. The bear, hot on their heels, clears out the hotel, leaving Jackie and Tom to revel in the mayhem.
As the bear closes in on them, they make a narrow escape in their dashund-o-mobile, with the dog only springing into action when it spots the bear. This film, much like Without Evidence and Ludzie bez jutra, revels in its absurdity, creating a world where the lines between reality and fantasy are delightfully blurred.
In terms of narrative structure, Goat Getters bears some resemblance to Die toten Augen, with its use of situational comedy and escalating chaos. However, the film's lighthearted tone and comedic timing are more akin to The Shoes That Danced and Her Own People.
The cast, including Jack Lloyd, Tommy Hicks, and Jack McHugh, deliver performances that are equal parts energetic and endearing. Their chemistry on screen is undeniable, and their characters' antics are expertly timed for maximum comedic effect.
In conclusion, Goat Getters is a wildly entertaining film that will leave viewers grinning from ear to ear. Its zany humor, paired with a healthy dose of creative mayhem, makes for a viewing experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly original. For fans of classic comedies like A Quiet Street, Marie, Queen of Rumania, and Breaking Home Ties, Goat Getters is an absolute must-see.
Furthermore, the film's themes of youthful exuberance and the power of imagination are timeless, evoking memories of similarly themed films like The Sunny South or The Whirlwind of Fate and The New Moon. As the characters navigate their world of nursery antics and pranks, they inadvertently create a sense of community and camaraderie that is at the heart of this film.
The cinematography, while not overly complex, effectively captures the lighthearted spirit of the film. The use of a black background for the film's setting adds to the sense of playfulness and chaos, drawing the viewer into the world of Jackie and Tom.
In a world where comedy often relies on tired tropes and overused gags, Goat Getters stands out as a refreshingly original take on the genre. It is a film that will leave you laughing, and its influence can be seen in everything from The Lottery Man to Eat-a-Bite-a-Pie and Bobby the Office Boy, and even in more modern films like King Spruce. Goat Getters is a true gem of the silent era, and its charm continues to captivate audiences to this day.
IMDb —
1924
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