Mabel Normand and Ford Sterling star in one of the most famous Keystone shorts. He loves her and she loves him until accidentally plants a pie in her face. Enraged, Normand attempts to elope with Sterling’s romantic rival, escaping by boat. But she never counted on Sterling deciding to drain the lake…
It’s all rather wacky and the making-of story is often cited as evidence of producer Mack Sennett’s thrift. The short is as anarchic a comedy as you could wish for and is particularly fun if you happen to be a Ford Sterling fan. (I am.) Check it out, it’s famous for a reason.
How does it end? Hover or tap below for a spoiler.
Some prints end with Mabel Normand and co. being rescued from the mud while others include a scene in which Sterling escapes justice by faking suicide.
Read my full-length review here.
If it were a dessert it would be: Dirt Cups. Not exactly aiming for haute cuisine but charming in its own special way.
Availability: A Muddy Romance was released as part of the Slapstick Encyclopedia. ReelclassicDVD also released it as part of A Festival of Silent Comedy Volume Three
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Movies Silently 
I have a little crush on Mabel Normand. I’ll definitely seek this one out! š
It’s mad fun, though Sterling definitely steals the show š
Just finished watching it! The score in the version I watched was so/so (midway through accordion music started playing!) But Sterling was very entertaining!
He’s great fun š
Ohhh so much fun and nutty..love it!
Indeed!
Thank you, one of my favorite Keystones (never thought I’d say that!) just starting to appreciate Mr Sterling.
Hurrah! š