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6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Toot Sweet! remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so you’re wondering if “Toot Sweet!” is worth digging up today. Well, if you’ve got a soft spot for silent-era slapstick and don't mind a story that’s light as air, then yeah, give it a shot. It's not going to change your life, but it's a decent little chuckle. If you need dialogue, complex plots, or anything post-1920s, you’ll probably find it a bit… *quaint*.
The premise is pretty simple, as these things often are. Rolfe Sedan plays this guy, you know, trying to make an impression on Lena Malena. And what’s his big idea? Buying a jalopy. A truly awful car, by the looks of it. 🚗
That car, though. It's almost the star of the show. All squeaks and shudders. There’s a scene where it just refuses to start, and Rolfe Sedan’s face goes from hopeful to utter despair in about three seconds. You can almost *feel* the frustration.
Lena Malena, she’s playing a bit of a trickster here. She seems interested in Rolfe, but it's really just to make Vincent Rose, her *actual* love interest, super jealous. It’s a classic setup, very clear from her little sideways glances.
Rolfe Sedan does a good job with the physical comedy. He’s always tripping, or the car is backfiring right when he's trying to be suave. One moment, he’s trying to fix something under the hood, and a puff of smoke just blinds him. It’s a bit predictable, sure, but it gets a smile.
The pacing is quick, which is good for a short film like this. No time to get bored. The gags just keep coming, one after another.
There's a moment where the jalopy’s horn gets stuck, just blaring away as they drive through town. The townsfolk's reactions are priceless. Some just stare, others cover their ears. It’s a small detail, but it makes the scene.
William T. Hayes and Lloyd Hamilton also pop up in smaller roles, adding to the general chaos. Hamilton’s character, particularly, has this bewildered look throughout, like he’s just wandered onto the set.
The whole thing wraps up exactly how you’d expect, with the poor guy realizing he’s been had. He gets the short end of the stick, but it’s played for laughs, not heartbreak. It’s a light touch, which suits the film.
So, yeah. “Toot Sweet!” is a quick, harmless bit of fun. If you’re ever curious about how silent comedies worked their magic, this is a decent example. Not a masterpiece, but a solid little piece of its time. And honestly, the car alone is worth a look. What a contraption! 😂
IMDb 5.6
1913
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