4 Comments

Is this group still a thing?

Expand full comment

I found myself anticipating several of the physical comedy gags, but upon consideration I think I'm familiar with them from Bugs Bunny, which would have come nearly a decade after this!

I think they whiffed the ending; all The Boy suffered was a pair of shoes and socks, and The Girl learned nothing. The Pal might suffer legal consequences, and I wonder if he'll even get his share of the money since he didn't do any climbing (and The Boy seems perfectly willing to steal record players and renege on trashcan hush money).

Expand full comment

This film increased my appreciation for non-verbal communication (don't you wish sometimes everything was quiet?). Despite it being a silent film, I felt like I was constantly aware of what was being communicated due to the exuberant facial expressions, body language, and score. I found myself laughing constantly and although the narrative was not that profound, it sufficed in keeping me glued to the screen the entire time.

Often when thinking through film chronology, I come to the conclusion that older films, pre-30s are quite boring. But Safety Last! reminded me that humor was just alive then as it is today — perhaps back then it was more innocent.

My favorite scene was when The Boy was showing The Girl his "office" and by accident, they pressed the buttons that summoned staff to appear at the Manager's office.

I also really appreciate the cast names: The Boy, The Girl, The Pal, etc.

Overall, great film. I would rewatch it. Thanks for suggesting it.

Expand full comment

I loved it. Full disclosure...this is the first and only silent movie i've watched from this era (I watched The Artist from 2011) and I have to say that i was completely mesmerized. The quickest description that comes to mind is that the movie felt like was being lead by a comedic magician based on how the quantity of hilarious misdirection present in the film. There were so many moments that just completely destroyed any expectations of what I thought was going to happen next and they were often laugh out moments. I also was surprised on how much is conveyed without words. Overall i thought the movie was amazing and loved how there seemed to be no dull moment and loved how on the edge of the seat I became after the climbing started. Loved it!

Expand full comment