That Wild Irish Pose: A Fast, Forgettable Silent Romp?

So, That Wild Irish Pose from 1927? If you're really into silent films, especially those quick, goofy comedies with lots of running around, then yeah, you might find something kinda charming here. For anyone else, though, unless you're genuinely curious about what cinema was like almost a hundred years ago, you'll probably just wonder what all the fuss was about. It's definitely a very specific taste, this one.

The whole thing just zips by, honestly. It’s one of those blink-and-you-miss-it shorts where the plot is barely there, just enough to string together a bunch of physical bits. You can almost feel the filmmakers thinking, "Okay, what's the next silly thing we can do?"

Al Cooke, he’s got this incredible, almost frantic energy. Every move he makes feels like he’s powered by a tiny, very excitable motor. He’s doing the classic silent film thing, all wide eyes and exaggerated gestures, like he’s trying to communicate with an alien species through charades. It’s a lot.

Then you have Alberta Vaughn. She plays off him well, often looking like she’s just trying to keep up or perhaps just hoping not to get caught in whatever whirlwind Al Cooke has started. Her expressions are great, very clear in a way only silent film actors could manage without a single word. One shot, she just raises an eyebrow, and you get it. 🤨

There’s this bit where someone tries to sneak away, and it turns into a whole staircase tumble. It’s exactly what you’d expect, all flailing limbs and hat flying off. It felt a little drawn out, like the stunt coordinator was really proud of that specific pratfall. But hey, it probably got big laughs back then.

The humor is very much from its time, you know? Like, a guy hiding in a closet or someone getting confused for someone else. It's simple, almost innocent, which is kinda sweet in a way. But you won't be falling out of your seat today, probably. It’s more of a pleasant smile.

Honestly, the biggest takeaway is just how *fast* these things were. No lingering shots, no deep character development. Just, bang, bang, bang, from one gag to the next. It makes you appreciate how much movies have changed. Like, a lot. 🎬

Ultimately, it’s a tiny little piece of history. Worth a look if you’re a serious student of silent cinema or just want to see how much people laughed at someone slipping on a banana peel way back when. Don’t go in expecting The Cheat, or anything with a grand message. This one’s just pure, unadulterated, old-school silliness.