Sooner or Later (1928) – A Quick Jaunt into Slapstick

Right off the bat, if you’re not already a fan of silent films or old-school slapstick, then Sooner or Later isn't really for you. You'll likely find it slow or just plain confusing without dialogue. But, if you enjoy seeing how comedy worked nearly a hundred years ago, or you're curious about Jimmy Aubrey, then this little short might be a fun, if brief, diversion. It’s certainly not a masterpiece, but it has its moments. 😅

Jimmy Aubrey, in his typical style, is all flailing limbs and frantic expressions here. He’s got this incredible knack for looking utterly bewildered, even when he’s the one causing all the chaos. It’s quite something to behold.

The plot, as far as I can tell, involves him trying to impress some stern-looking gentleman, perhaps a potential father-in-law, and of course, everything goes spectacularly wrong. There’s a scene where he’s trying to carry a ridiculously tall stack of dishes, and you just know how that’s going to end. The clatter is almost audible, even without sound.

One particular moment sticks with me: Aubrey tries to sneak past a very large, angry dog 🐶. He moves with such exaggerated tip-toes, and his face is a mask of pure terror. The dog, a rather unimpressed looking creature, barely moves at first. Then it just lets out a single, very loud bark that makes Aubrey jump a mile. It’s a simple gag, but it works.

The pacing, as you'd expect for a silent short, feels a little… stop-and-start. There are these bursts of frantic activity, then a moment where someone just stares, wide-eyed, for what feels like an eternity. You can almost feel the director thinking, "Let's let that reaction sink in."

The sets are basic, very much what you'd expect from a 1928 short. A generic street, a slightly crooked fence, a door that probably leads to nowhere important. It’s all just a backdrop for Aubrey's physical comedy, really.

There’s a bit where he accidentally kicks a bucket into a fountain, soaking a perfectly respectable lady. Her slow, *very* slow turn to face him is priceless. Her expression just screams, "You. Are. Done." 😂 It's not subtle, but it's effective for the era.

Honestly, the best part of these old shorts is just seeing the pure, unadulterated physical commitment. Aubrey throws himself into every pratfall. He truly sells the idea that he’s in a constant state of mild panic. He's not quite a Chaplin or Keaton, but he has his own charm.

It’s a quick watch, maybe just twenty minutes or so, perfect for a coffee break if you want a little slice of yesteryear. It’s definitely not one that’s going to change your life, or even your day, much. But for a fleeting moment, you might chuckle at some guy getting into a pickle over a silly misunderstanding. And sometimes, that’s all you really need from a movie. 🤷‍♀️