Monkeying Around (1922) Review: A Hilarious Silent Slapstick Gem | Classic Comedy Analysis

A Whirlwind of Wit and Whimsy: Rediscovering 'Monkeying Around'

In the annals of early cinematic comedy, where physical prowess and exaggerated expressions reigned supreme, few films capture the effervescent spirit of the era quite like the 1922 silent masterpiece, Monkeying Around. This delightful romp, a quintessential example of slapstick at its most refined, offers a vibrant window into a time when laughter was forged from ingenious visual gags and the sheer, unadulterated talent of its performers. Far from a mere curiosity, this film stands as a testament to the enduring power of well-executed comedic timing and the universal appeal of a good, chaotic caper.

The narrative, a deceptively simple premise, blossoms into an intricate dance of escalating mishaps. Our protagonist, Percival "Percy" Putterfield, brought to life with an endearing blend of earnestness and utter ineptitude by the inimitable Bud Jamison, is a man perpetually poised on the precipice of social acceptance. His grand ambition? To win the heart of the discerning Miss Penelope Featherbottom, portrayed with a charmingly stern elegance by Alice Davenport. Davenport, a veteran of countless silent shorts, imbues Penelope with a formidable grace that makes Percy's bumbling attempts all the more amusing. The stage for their romantic comedy, however, is quickly upended by the unexpected escape of Lord Bumbles, a capuchin monkey of unparalleled mischief, from the clutches of the formidable Mrs. Octavia Van Der Groschen, a role perfectly suited to the grand theatricality of Louise Carver.

What ensues is not merely a chase, but a symphony of escalating chaos, a veritable ballet of blunders that transports the audience from the genteel confines of a high-society garden party to the bustling thoroughfares of a metropolitan center. Lord Bumbles, a true scene-stealer, becomes the catalyst for a series of increasingly outlandish situations. His pilfering of pastries from under the noses of unsuspecting socialites, his impromptu redecoration of a department store's hat section, and his general disdain for human decorum are all masterfully orchestrated to maximize comedic impact. The film's genius lies in its ability to transform everyday settings into playgrounds for anarchy, a hallmark of the era's best comedies. One might draw parallels to the spirited chaos found in films like Harem Scarem, where a similar sense of uncontrolled pandemonium propels the plot forward, albeit with a different set of societal norms being playfully upended.

Bud Jamison's portrayal of Percy is a tour de force of physical comedy. His every stumble, every wide-eyed glance of panic, every desperate lunge after the elusive primate is executed with a precision that belies the apparent spontaneity. He embodies the everyman caught in an extraordinary predicament, eliciting both sympathy and uproarious laughter. Alice Davenport, as Penelope, offers a delightful counterpoint. Her initial disdain for Percy's antics gradually softens, a subtle shift communicated through her expressive eyes and nuanced gestures, a testament to the power of silent acting. The supporting cast, including James T. Kelley as the foppish rival Reginald "Reggie" Witherbottom, adds further layers to the comedic tapestry. Kelley's Reggie is the perfect foil, his smug self-assurance constantly deflated by Percy’s accidental triumphs and Lord Bumbles’s unpredictable interventions. Al Alt, as the bewildered police officer, provides moments of delightful exasperation, his attempts to restore order invariably leading to further disarray.

The direction of Monkeying Around, though uncredited in many historical records, showcases an acute understanding of comedic pacing and visual storytelling. The camera is not merely an observer but an active participant, guiding the audience's eye to the minutiae of each gag, from the subtle twitch of an eyebrow to the grand explosion of a pie in the face. The editing, crisp and dynamic, ensures that the film never drags, maintaining a relentless comedic momentum. Each scene builds upon the last, escalating the stakes and the humor with admirable precision. The use of depth in the frame, particularly during the chase sequences, creates a sense of immersive energy, drawing the viewer directly into the frantic pursuit. This sophisticated approach to visual narrative distinguishes it from more rudimentary contemporary efforts, placing it alongside the more artistically ambitious silent comedies.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Monkeying Around (1923) through its definitive frames.

Beyond the surface-level guffaws, Monkeying Around offers subtle insights into societal anxieties and aspirations of the early 20th century. Percy's struggle for acceptance, his desire to prove himself worthy of Penelope's affection, speaks to universal human experiences. The disruption caused by Lord Bumbles can be seen as a metaphor for the unpredictable forces that can derail even the most carefully laid plans, forcing individuals to adapt and often, to find their inner resilience through unconventional means. The film subtly critiques the rigid social structures of the time, as the monkey's antics expose the absurdity and fragility of aristocratic decorum, much like how the comedic elements in films such as Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford playfully satirized the ambitions and follies of the burgeoning capitalist class. The chaos, while humorous, also serves as a release valve for the audience, allowing them to vicariously experience a world where rules are temporarily suspended.

The climax, set at a high-society charity gala, is a masterclass in controlled chaos. The transformation of a dignified event into a free-for-all of flying fruit, collapsing tables, and mistaken identities is orchestrated with a meticulous attention to detail that elevates the slapstick to an art form. Percy, through a series of accidental maneuvers and sheer dumb luck, emerges as an unlikely hero. His final, triumphant (if entirely unintentional) capture of Lord Bumbles is a moment of pure cinematic joy, perfectly encapsulating the film's playful spirit. Penelope's reaction, a mix of exasperation and a dawning, bewildered admiration, provides a satisfying, if unconventional, romantic resolution. It’s a testament to the film’s charm that the audience genuinely roots for Percy, despite his constant blunders, hoping he will somehow stumble into success.

The legacy of Monkeying Around, while perhaps not as widely celebrated as some of the era's more prominent features, is nonetheless significant. It stands as a vibrant example of the inventiveness and skill prevalent in early silent comedy. Its influence can be traced through subsequent generations of comedic filmmaking, proving that the fundamentals of physical humor, character-driven chaos, and precise timing are timeless. The film, like many of its contemporaries such as Out of Place or L'écrin du rajah, which also explored themes of misplacement and societal disruption, demonstrates the rich tapestry of narrative possibilities that captivated audiences during cinema's nascent years. It reminds us that laughter, in its purest form, transcends language and time.

For contemporary viewers, Monkeying Around offers more than just historical curiosity; it provides genuine, hearty laughter. It's a film that doesn't rely on complex dialogue or intricate plotting, but on the universal language of physical comedy and expressive performance. It's a refreshing antidote to overly cynical or verbose modern fare, a reminder of the simple, unadulterated joy that cinema can provide. Watching Bud Jamison's contortions, Alice Davenport's reactions, and Lord Bumbles's relentless mischief is an experience both delightful and enlightening, showcasing the foundation upon which much of cinematic comedy was built. The meticulous restoration of such films ensures that these foundational works continue to entertain and inform new generations, preserving the artistry of a bygone era.

In an age saturated with digital effects and rapid-fire dialogue, there is a profound pleasure in returning to the roots of cinematic storytelling. Monkeying Around is a vibrant reminder that the most compelling narratives often stem from the simplest of premises, elevated by the sheer talent and dedication of its creators. It’s a film that invites us to shed our contemporary sensibilities and embrace the joyous anarchy of a past era, where a mischievous monkey could, quite literally, turn the world upside down. It's a film that deserves to be seen, celebrated, and cherished as a shining example of silent comedy's enduring charm and timeless appeal.

Review by Your Esteemed Film Critic