This classic was a mirror of male homosexuality in the early 1950's. Written by 'Ray Pierson' and directed by 'Harold Ericson', likely both pseudonyms for father or son Lloyd, since neither ever directed or wrote another film.
Almost every line and image comes with double meaning - fire-chasing and homosexual urges.
Filmed in Monroe, MI - it depicts a very nice young gay man (Harold Lloyd Jr. - who was openly gay in real life) chasing his urges. If you catch all the double meanings, it is a very funny film.
Watched it again 7/2023 with a friend from Monroe, MI. He recognized some of the landmarks. It is much deeper than I realized in my first viewing. It covers much more about male homosexuality than I earlier realized. If you carefully follow each line's double-meaning, it is even deeper and funnier in the second viewing.
Watched it again 3/2024 with a group and got even more out of it. Notice that leading man Mr. Smith only gets the "flaming urge" when a new man comes to his tie counter. It is both groundbreaking and so entertaining in how it depicts the perception male homosexuality in 1953 USA. Favorite lines: "Go and see Mr. Chalmers, he's probably planning a fire sale and wants your advice" and "I was watching you the other day at the fire, and you were not enjoying it"
Brilliantly written - both inciteful and belly-laugh funny at the same time. Worth seeing if you can find.
Almost every line and image comes with double meaning - fire-chasing and homosexual urges.
Filmed in Monroe, MI - it depicts a very nice young gay man (Harold Lloyd Jr. - who was openly gay in real life) chasing his urges. If you catch all the double meanings, it is a very funny film.
Watched it again 7/2023 with a friend from Monroe, MI. He recognized some of the landmarks. It is much deeper than I realized in my first viewing. It covers much more about male homosexuality than I earlier realized. If you carefully follow each line's double-meaning, it is even deeper and funnier in the second viewing.
Watched it again 3/2024 with a group and got even more out of it. Notice that leading man Mr. Smith only gets the "flaming urge" when a new man comes to his tie counter. It is both groundbreaking and so entertaining in how it depicts the perception male homosexuality in 1953 USA. Favorite lines: "Go and see Mr. Chalmers, he's probably planning a fire sale and wants your advice" and "I was watching you the other day at the fire, and you were not enjoying it"
Brilliantly written - both inciteful and belly-laugh funny at the same time. Worth seeing if you can find.