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6.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. One of the Smiths remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so One of the Smiths is one of those old-school silent comedies that, yeah, it’s worth watching. But only if you’re already kinda into that whole vibe. If you dig physical comedy, particularly the brand Charley Chase delivered, you’re in for a treat. This isn't for folks who need explosions or witty banter every five seconds. It’s for the patient viewer, the one who appreciates a good sight gag and isn't afraid of a little dust on the celluloid. If you hate old films, silent ones especially, just steer clear. You'll be bored stiff. 😴
Charley, our main guy, works for some mail-order business. His job is to go track down folks who haven't paid up. Simple enough, right? Except he's got to haul this absurd collection of musical instruments with him on the train. I mean, why? The movie doesn't really explain, it just *is*. And that’s half the fun. It sets up the whole journey.
That train ride, though. Oh boy. He’s stuck in an upper berth, and trying to get himself and all those instruments settled is just a magnificent mess. You can practically *feel* the discomfort. It’s not just a quick gag, it’s a whole drawn-out sequence. One moment, he’s trying to wedge a tuba into a space clearly not meant for it, the next he’s almost tumbling out, a banjo clattering. It goes on a bit, maybe 15 seconds too long, but in a way that just makes it funnier, like a kid who can't quite get his coat on.
Charley Chase has this way of looking utterly exasperated without saying a word. His expressions are just *perfect*. You see him trying to keep his dignity while the world conspires against him. It's a subtle kind of humor, not big belly laughs all the time, but more of a consistent, knowing chuckle. 😄
Once he gets off the train, the film really kicks into gear. He decides the best way to investigate is to 'go native,' basically. So he slaps on a disguise. It’s not exactly a masterclass in subtlety. You know it’s him, everyone in the film probably knows it's him. But the sheer commitment to the bit is what sells it. The costume itself is kinda goofy, like something pulled from a local theater's costume bin, but Charley wears it like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
There's this one bit where he's trying to talk to someone, still in his disguise, and the conversation just keeps going sideways. It's all in the body language, the exaggerated nods, the confusion on the other person's face. No spoken lines, of course, but you get the gist. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but you can see the misunderstanding build up, piece by piece.
The whole disguise thing leads to some genuinely clever bits of physical comedy. He’s trying to be inconspicuous, but with all his efforts, he just draws *more* attention. It's a classic setup, but it works here because Chase sells the frustration so well. You really root for him, even as you laugh at his predicament.
The crowd scenes have this slightly unpolished look, which I actually really liked. It feels lived-in. Like they just pointed the camera at some actual town and said, 'Okay, now act normal, but also, Charley Chase is here being silly.' You catch glimpses of people who are clearly just going about their day, slightly bemused by the filming. It adds a nice layer of authenticity, if that makes sense for a slapstick comedy.
The film doesn't try to be anything it isn't. It's a simple premise, executed with a lot of charm and a good dose of physical humor. It doesn't break any new ground, but it doesn't need to. It's just a solid, enjoyable silent short. Not every film needs to change your life, some just need to make you grin. And this one definitely does. 😊
IMDb —
1917
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