In the early days of silent comedy, believe it or not, the film makers usually did NOT have scripts--just general ideas of what would happen. When the film began rolling, the actors just winged it--doing what they thought might be funny as the director yelled out instructions. As a result, these films were often hit or miss. However, starting about 1916, comedies began to rely less on winging it and actors slapping each other (hence the term 'slapstick') and actually had scripts. So, while "The Camera Cure" is clearly not a super-funny comedy, its plot is quite complex for its time--and holds up pretty well.
The film begins with a couple and their butler. This part of the film is VERY slapsticky, as there's the usual kicking in the butt and characters falling down due to extra-stretchy suspenders--none of which are that funny. However, when the butler is fired over a misunderstanding, the plot actually starts to move. Soon after, the husband is sent to find a maid to replace the butler--but he spends most of his time chasing and annoying a lady in the park. Unknown to him, however, the butler is there and takes a picture of him--and the lady being annoyed turns out to be the butler's wife! Where all this goes is rather clever and interesting. Not a great film...but a good and engaging one.
The film begins with a couple and their butler. This part of the film is VERY slapsticky, as there's the usual kicking in the butt and characters falling down due to extra-stretchy suspenders--none of which are that funny. However, when the butler is fired over a misunderstanding, the plot actually starts to move. Soon after, the husband is sent to find a maid to replace the butler--but he spends most of his time chasing and annoying a lady in the park. Unknown to him, however, the butler is there and takes a picture of him--and the lady being annoyed turns out to be the butler's wife! Where all this goes is rather clever and interesting. Not a great film...but a good and engaging one.
