"The Pharmacist" is an 18-minute short film from the early days of the sound era. And writer and lead actor W.C. Fields is one of the biggest (American) stars from that era. Arthur Ripley is the director here. I had concerns before watching this short film that the setting at a pharmacy may not exactly be the best choice for a comedy film, because (lets be honest) it just isn't a funny place, but I guess if Fields makes a comedy at a dentist's office, he can also go for a pharmacy and not all the action takes place there anyway. It is pretty much the usual. Some slapstick, some romance and just Fields' character causing general chaos. I think Fields elevated the material once again in this over 80-year-old film, but it just wasn't (good) enough to let me recommend it. But he shaped the path for better sound movies that should follow afterward, so I am somewhat glad this one here existed, even if it never felt funny or convincing. Not recommended.
Review of The Pharmacist
