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6.6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Walking the Baby remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Okay, so "Walking the Baby" is definitely one for folks who dig into early comedy, especially if you're curious about where some really classic bits came from. If you're looking for modern laughs or a big cinematic experience, you'll probably just scratch your head. This one's a quick peek into vaudeville history, not really a "movie" in the way we think of it today.
George Burns is playing George, a street-sweeper. He's got this smooth, almost too confident vibe as he tries to chat up Gracie Allen's character, a nursemaid. It feels like a stage act filmed, which, well, it pretty much is. You can practically hear the audience chuckling off-camera.
Gracie, of course, is doing her famous "dizzy dame" routine. And it's _fully_ on display here. She answers questions in the most roundabout, illogical ways. George asks her about the baby, and she launches into a story about a dog and a horse. It's a classic, sure, but it's also a bit much if you’re not used to that kind of timing. Her delivery is just *so* earnest, which makes it work.
The whole thing plays out in a park. Very simple set, really. Just a bench, some greenery. Chester Clute is there too, though he mostly just stands around, looking a bit confused by Gracie. His reactions are kind of funny, just subtle. He's like the audience's stand-in. 🤨
What's really interesting is seeing how they built a whole routine around just misunderstanding. It's not about big gags or slapstick. It’s all in the dialogue, the back-and-forth. George keeps trying to get a straight answer, and Gracie just keeps twisting it into knots. Bless his heart, he tries. 😂
Sometimes the silence between lines feels a little long. Like they're waiting for a laugh track that isn't there, or maybe letting the audience process the absurdity. It's a different rhythm than what we expect now. _Definitely_ a product of its time.
You can really tell this was designed for a live audience. The camera mostly just watches them perform, like a good seat in the house. No fancy cuts or anything. Just pure Burns and Allen.
It's a historical artifact more than a laugh riot for a casual viewer. But for those who appreciate old-school comedy, or want to see the roots of these iconic characters, it’s a sweet little gem. Pretty neat, if you're into that specific niche. 👍
IMDb 5.7
1923
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