Theme Month! August 2026: Unslapstick

Apologies for the missed review last week but the film I selected works for both themes, so we should be on track this week. Family emergency.

Silent movies and slapstick are practically synonymous but I am not actually a huge fan of the rough stuff. Some physical comedy, yes, but I tend to like absurdity, surrealism, spoofs, witty title cards and chemistry instead of faw down go boom. For example, Laurel and Hardy are sometimes classed as slapstick but so much of their comedy was quieter, stranger and had a lot of wonderfully weird moments in between kicks in the pants (they did those well too).

In fact, there was a very real debate about “vulgar” comedy vs more sophisticated fare during the silent era and comedy was a broad genre that encompassed everything from bedroom farces to romantic comedies to political satire to absurd fantasies. The Vitagraph company in particular positioned itself as a haven of more refined comedies in the 1910s, the height of the slapstick era.

So, this month is going to celebrate the daintier side of silent comedy, where the humor doesn’t come from Keystone Cops or giant leaps. I hope you will enjoy the selection and maybe even discover some new favorites.

☙❦❧

Like what you’re reading? Please consider sponsoring me on Patreon. All patrons will get early previews of upcoming features, exclusive polls and other goodies.

Disclosure: Some links included in this post may be affiliate links to products sold by Amazon and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.