User Reviews

I recently have rented several DVDs from Netflix that fall under the title "Old Time Comedy Classics". I know they have at least eight DVDs, as this is volume 8. The previous DVDs were earlier issues and were a good bit funnier than those in volume 8, though I still haven't been all that impressed with any of the entries. It seems that these are all lesser-known silent comedies and I can easily see why they aren't as well known--most just aren't that funny. Fortunately, while this is far from a great comedy, it and MEET THE FOLKS are two shorts in the set that are worth watching--though neither are strong enough for me to recommend the DVD.

THE PLUMBER is a pretty typical Keystone film with a few good gags and lots of very low-brow humor. Nothing particularly exciting about it but compared to other films of the day, it's worth seeing.

The film starts with some folks calling in a plumber because of the horrible leaks in the pipes. However, the plumber isn't particularly competent and focuses his energies instead on drinking the family's liquor. In the process, the leaks become a lot worse and he actually manages to nearly burn the house down. The film ends on a very slapsticky (is this a word?) note as the home owner is angry about the destruction and he attacks the plumber. At the time, this sort of knockabout ending was hot stuff, though today most will feel it is awfully gratuitous and not all that satisfying as an ending. After all, an amazingly high percentage of Keystone comedies ended this way!