I am a big fan of the famous silent movie stars Laurel and Hardy, Buster Keaton and Sir Charlie Chaplin, but I knew there was one star of the silent movies I had not seen, I found this, one of his most acclaimed pictures, in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. Basically in the farming town of Hickoryville, the Hickorys are a respected family, but patriarch Sheriff Jim Hickory (Walter James) and his strong sons Leo (Leo Willis) and Olin (Olin Francis) have little respect for the youngest son, the bespectacled, clumsy and naïve Harold (Harold Lloyd). He is often neglected by his family, given the domestic duties, and not included in important matters either at the farm or in the town. One day, when Jim, Leo and Olin go to an important town meeting, Harold is left alone, for amusement he puts on his father's gun and badge. He is mistaken for being the sheriff by ruthless traveling medicine showman 'Flash' Farrell (Eddie Boland), he talks Harold into permitting him, strongman Sandoni (Constantine Romanoff) and dancer Mary Powers (Jobyna Ralston) perform. Mary is trying to avoid the unwanted attentions of Sandoni, she and Harold spend some time together, and they become attracted to each other. When Jim finds out Harold authorised the medicine show, he orders Harold to shut down the performance, Harold tries, but ends up being tricked and tied up. Harold's sworn enemy, town bully Hank Hooper (Ralph Yearsley), pelts him and accidentally starts a fire that consumes the medicine show wagon. Harold invites Mary to spend the night at his family home, he does not get permission to do so from his father, and he uses hit wits to overcome his bigger brothers, however Mrs. Hooper and her son Hank show up and take her with them. The next day, the town is celebrating, as Jim is handing over funds raised by the residents to help build a dam to a state official, however the money is gone. Jim strongly believes Farrell and Sandoni are responsible, but Sam Hooper (Frank Lanning) accuses Jim of the theft. Jim sends Leo and Olin, but not Harold, after them, when they return emptyhanded, Jim has been tied up, and there is talk of lynching. Harold confesses to Mary his unintentional deception, he is not the man she thought he was, but she tells him he has faith in him. Hank accuses Mary of being involved in the robbery, Harold fights back when some men grab her, only to have Harold knock him unconscious and set him adrift in a boat. Harold wakes up when the boat reaches an abandoned, beached ship, aboard the ship he finds the real thieves. Sandoni and Farrell argue over the division of the loot, with the strongman eventually disposing of the medicine man, then Sandoni spots Harold and chases him all over the ship. Harold eventually manages to outdo the strongman and races back to town with his prisoner and the money to save his father. Jim is impressed with Harold, saying "Son, you're a real Hickory", Hank stands in the way of him and Mary walking away, but Harold musters up the courage to fight his nemesis and beat him up. I had only previously seen Lloyd in the famous image of him hanging from a clock, from Safety Last!, he is a very good physical comedian, I will admit I did not follow all elements of the story, but it did not matter, as the slapstick and sight gags were funny, it is a worthwhile silent comedy. Very good!
Review of The Kid Brother
