Stolen Kisses: When Grandkids Are All That Matter
Alright, let's talk about Stolen Kisses. Is it something you absolutely *must* track down this evening? Probably not, unless you have a real soft spot for silent era comedies and don't mind a plot that hinges on some seriously old-fashioned ideas. If you're into seeing how films told a simple, kind of goofy story without any sound, you might get a kick out of it. But if you're looking for something fast-paced, emotionally complex, or even just, you know, *talkie*, you'll probably find yourself checking your watch. 🕰️
The whole thing revolves around this grandpa, played by Claude Gillingwater, who is just **obsessed** with having grandkids. His son and daughter-in-law, played by Reed Howes and May McAvoy, are married but haven't produced any tiny humans yet. This drives the old man absolutely bonkers.
He's got this idea that if he can just push them together, they'll suddenly be in the mood. It's a bit much, frankly. You can almost feel the movie trying to convince you this moment matters for the couple.
His first attempts are... well, they're not subtle. I remember a scene where he tries to orchestrate "romantic" moments, which mostly just make everyone uncomfortable. He peeks through the keyhole with this intensely hopeful, almost desperate, look on his face. It’s supposed to be funny, but it feels a little *too* intrusive.
Instead of bringing them closer, all his meddling pushes them further apart. To the point they're actually thinking about divorce! 🤦♀️ The look on May McAvoy's face when she realizes what her father-in-law is up to is priceless. She has this way of conveying exasperation with just a slight tilt of her head. It’s really good.
So, the old man has to rethink his entire strategy. He needs to get them back together, but without them realizing he's pulling the strings. This is where the film gets a *little* more interesting.
He starts doing the opposite, trying to make them jealous or just generally make them miss each other. It’s a classic move for these types of plots. There's a moment where the son, Reed Howes, looks genuinely confused by his father's sudden change of tune. His eyebrows do a lot of the heavy lifting there.
He's not quite sure if he's being helped or just messed with even more. The whole thing feels like a stage play sometimes, with big gestures telling you everything.
Edna Murphy and Phyllis Crane also pop up, though their roles felt a bit like window dressing to me. They're there to add to the confusion or provide a romantic distraction, but they don't leave a huge impression. It's really the grandpa's show.
The film's pacing is what you'd expect from a silent movie. It takes its time. Sometimes a scene goes on about 10 seconds too long, especially when someone is just walking across a room. But then there are these little flashes, like a quick shot of the grandpa scheming, that are quite effective.
The "stolen kisses" of the title, it eventually becomes clear, refer to something a bit more metaphorical than actual pilfered smooches. It’s about those moments of connection that are almost forced into existence, or taken when characters aren't fully ready. Or maybe it's just a catchy title, who knows. 🤔
In the end, it’s a curious peek into early cinema. It doesn't break any new ground, but it gives you a decent laugh now and then, mostly at the expense of one very determined old man. If you're a silent film enthusiast, give it a shot. Everyone else might find it a bit of a historical curiosity.
