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6.3/10
Archivist John
Senior Editor
A definitive 6.3/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. It's the Old Army Game remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Short answer: Yes, but it’s not for everyone. 'It's the Old Army Game' is a throwback to the early days of cinema, offering a glimpse into the humor and storytelling techniques of the silent era. It’s a film that requires a certain mindset, one that appreciates the humor of a bygone era and the charm of slapstick comedy. However, if you’re looking for sophisticated or modern humor, you might find it lacking.
Who should watch it: Fans of silent cinema, classic comedy, and early film history.
Who shouldn’t watch it: Those seeking contemporary comedy or modern cinematic techniques.
This film works because of its vibrant cast and the sharp comedic timing of W.C. Fields, who steals every scene he’s in. His performance is a highlight, with his signature deadpan delivery and physical humor perfectly complementing the film’s slapstick elements. The film’s structure, a series of comedic vignettes leading to a climax, is both familiar and effective, tapping into the audience’s sense of anticipation and surprise.
The film also benefits from its setting and timing, which allows for a variety of comedic situations, from the mundane (a druggist being woken by garbage collectors) to the surreal (false alarms and a real fire). These situations are executed with a level of absurdity that is both charming and funny.
This film fails because its humor is heavily reliant on physical comedy and the timing of its era. While this may work for some, it can feel dated and less relevant to modern audiences. The pacing, while intentional for its time, can feel slow and drawn out at times, especially for those expecting more rapid-fire humor. Additionally, the film’s plot lacks depth and character development, focusing more on the comedic situations than on any emotional arc.
The film also suffers from its reliance on a single genre, making it feel one-dimensional and less engaging than a film that explores multiple facets of storytelling. While the slapstick humor is effective, it can sometimes feel like it’s relying too heavily on a single comedic technique, which can lead to a lack of variety and interest.
You should watch it if you have an appreciation for early cinema and the humor of the silent era. It’s a film that provides a unique look into the early days of comedy and storytelling, offering a slice of history that is both entertaining and educational. The performances, particularly W.C. Fields, are a highlight, making the film worth the watch for comedy enthusiasts.
Is 'It's the Old Army Game' worth watching today? Absolutely, but it’s not for everyone. The film is a delightful glimpse into early cinema, with a strong focus on slapstick humor and physical comedy. Its charm lies in its ability to entertain through the simple joy of watching characters interact in absurd situations. However, if you’re looking for more sophisticated or modern humor, you might find it lacking. It’s a film that requires a certain mindset, one that appreciates the humor of a bygone era and the charm of early film history.
W.C. Fields is the standout performance in 'It's the Old Army Game', delivering a deadpan, physical comedy that is both charming and hilarious. His character, Elmer Prettywillie, is a man of principle who is constantly disrupted by the city’s services, leading to a series of comedic situations. Fields’ ability to convey emotions through facial expressions and body language is a testament to his skill as a performer. His scenes with other cast members, such as Elise Cavanna and Mary Foy, are particularly enjoyable, with a chemistry that is easy to appreciate.
The supporting cast, including George Currie and Louise Brooks, also contribute to the film’s humor, with their characters providing a variety of comedic situations. Currie’s character, a fireman, and Brooks’s character, a woman who buys a two-cent stamp in the middle of the night, are both memorable and contribute to the film’s overall charm. However, the film’s plot is weak, with little character development or emotional depth, making it feel more like a series of comedic vignettes rather than a cohesive narrative.
The film’s direction, by William LeBaron, is effective in its simplicity, focusing on the humor and physical comedy rather than on complex storytelling. The use of close-ups and medium shots emphasizes the characters’ expressions and reactions, which is particularly effective in capturing the humor of the film. The pacing, while intentional for its time, can feel slow and drawn out at times, especially for those expecting more rapid-fire humor. The cinematography is basic but effective, with a focus on capturing the characters and their environment in a way that enhances the film’s humor.
The film’s use of practical effects, such as the false alarms and the real fire, is particularly effective. These scenes are both hilarious and well-executed, providing a level of realism that adds to the film’s charm. The use of these practical effects also allows for a level of unpredictability that keeps the audience engaged and surprised.
For fans of early cinema and the humor of the silent era, 'It's the Old Army Game' is a must-see. Its charm lies in its ability to entertain through the simple joy of watching characters interact in absurd situations. However, if you’re looking for more sophisticated or modern humor, you might find it lacking. It’s a film that requires a certain mindset, one that appreciates the humor of a bygone era and the charm of early film history.
Pros: W.C. Fields’ performance, the use of practical effects, the charming humor, and the film’s place in early cinema history.
Cons: Weak plot, lack of character development, slow pacing, and reliance on physical comedy.
It works. But it’s flawed. 'It's the Old Army Game' is a charming look into early cinema, with a strong focus on slapstick humor and physical comedy. Its charm lies in its ability to entertain through the simple joy of watching characters interact in absurd situations. However, its reliance on physical comedy and weak plot make it feel less engaging than a film that explores multiple facets of storytelling. It’s a film that requires a certain mindset, one that appreciates the humor of a bygone era and the charm of early film history. If you have that mindset, you’ll find it entertaining and worth the watch. If not, you might find it less engaging.
IMDb —
1922
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