Comedy films of the 1920s, full of slapstick humor and visual storytelling, offered audiences an escape from the complexities of everyday life and a glimpse into a world of laughter. As we look back at this decade, these films remain relevant to this day, showcasing the timeless appeal of their humor and the universal language of comedy. In this article, we explore a collection that celebrates the genius of legendary comedians and the enduring legacy of their work. From Charlie Chaplin’s endearing Tramp to Buster Keaton’s stoic antics, these films represent the pinnacle of early comedic cinema and remain as entertaining today as they were in their time. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best comedy films of the 1920s.
10. Speedy – Ted Wilde (1928)
“Speedy” tells the story of Harold “Speedy” Swift, a loveable but scatterbrained New Yorker with an obsession for baseball. His life takes a whimsical turn when he unexpectedly loses his job and decides to help his girlfriend’s grandfather maintain the last horse-drawn streetcar in New York, a charming relic of a bygone era. The film humorously portrays Speedy’s efforts to save the streetcar amidst rapid urbanization and the rise of automobiles, depicting his inventive yet often comical strategies. The plot progresses as Speedy finds himself up against big business interests determined to remove the streetcar and monopolize city transportation, leading to a series of humorous confrontations and clever ruses.
Directed by Ted Wilde, “Speedy” showcases the vibrant city life of 1920s New York through its dynamic visual storytelling. Its portrayal of the bustling streets, crowded with people and the latest automobiles, provides a snapshot of the era’s technological progress and urban development. Harold Lloyd’s performance as Speedy is both energetic and endearing, contributing significantly to the film’s charm with his impeccable timing and expressive facial gestures. The movie is also notable for its real-life footage of New York City, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the urban landscape of the Roaring Twenties, complete with historic landmarks and the everyday hustle and bustle of city life.
9. Seven Chances – Buster Keaton (1925)
“Seven Chances” stars Buster Keaton as a young man who unexpectedly learns he will inherit a fortune if he marries by 7 PM on his 27th birthday, which is alarmingly just hours away. The film unfolds with Keaton’s character frantically proposing to a series of women, all of whom reject him, leading to a chaotic and desperate search for a bride. The comedic tension builds as the deadline gets closer, with Keaton’s character facing increasingly absurd and hilarious obstacles, including misunderstandings and comedic mishaps that escalate in both scale and hilarity. The plot combines situational comedy with Keaton’s renowned physical comedy, keeping viewers engaged and amused without revealing the outcome of his quest.
Buster Keaton’s genius in physical comedy and deadpan expression is the cornerstone of “Seven Chances.” The film is celebrated for its innovative use of visual gags and stunts, many of which Keaton performed himself, showcasing his remarkable skill as an actor. Its famous chase scene, involving hundreds of women and a landslide of boulders, remains a highlight in comedy cinema, demonstrating a masterful blend of timing, physicality, and visual wit. “Seven Chances” showcases Keaton’s ability to combine romance and humor, ensuring its place as one of the best comedy films of the 1920s. Its influence can be seen in many romantic comedies that followed, standing as proof of its lasting impact on the genre.
8. The Circus – Charlie Chaplin (1928)
In “The Circus”, Charlie Chaplin introduces audiences to his iconic Tramp character who, after a series of mishaps, including an amusing run-in with the law, finds himself becoming the star attraction of a traveling circus. The plot focuses on the Tramp’s comical misadventures as he navigates the chaotic world of circus performances and falls in love with the circus owner’s daughter. His attempts to woo her are both humorous and heartwarming, as he competes with the circus’s tightrope walker for her affection, engaging in a series of humorous escapades and romantic gestures. The Tramp’s clumsiness and innocent charm are central to the film’s appeal, as he stumbles through a variety of circus acts, each more entertaining than the last.
Chaplin’s “The Circus” is a masterpiece of silent film comedy, showcasing his remarkable talent for blending humor with emotional depth. The film excels in its physical comedy, with Chaplin performing a series of daring and hilarious stunts, ranging from tightrope walking to an unforgettable encounter with a lion. The emotional layers added to the character of the Tramp make this film stand out, as Chaplin skillfully balances humor with moments of vulnerability, creating a character that is both laughable and lovable in equal measure. “The Circus” also highlights the behind-the-scenes struggles of circus life, offering a glimpse into a world where laughter and melancholy coexist, capturing the highs and lows of life under the big top.
7. Steamboat Bill, Jr. – Buster Keaton, Charles Reisner (1928)
“Steamboat Bill, Jr.” features Buster Keaton in the role of the young, naive son of a steamboat captain, embarking on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and adventure. The film focuses on his comedic trials and tribulations as he tries to help his father in a rivalry against a more affluent steamboat owner, navigating a world that is new and bewildering to him. His efforts are further complicated by his romance with the daughter of his father’s competitor, leading to a series of amusing situations, each more challenging and laugh-inducing than the last. The film is famous for its climactic cyclone sequence, where Keaton’s character faces nature’s fury in a series of incredible stunts and visual gags.
This film is a testament to Keaton’s skill as a physical comedian and a filmmaker. His ability to perform breathtaking stunts while maintaining a deadpan expression contributes significantly to the film’s humor, creating a unique blend of visual comedy that is both exciting and hilarious. “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” is renowned for its innovative use of special effects, especially in the storm sequence, which still astonishes audiences to this day, showcasing Keaton’s fearlessness and ingenuity as an actor. The film not only entertains with its slapstick comedy but also offers a subtle commentary on the clash between traditional and modern values in American society at the time, making it one of the best comedy films of the 1920s.
6. The Cameraman – Buster Keaton, Edward Sedgwick (1928)
In “The Cameraman”, Buster Keaton plays a hapless photographer who falls in love with a secretary working at a film studio, sparking a quest to win her heart. To win her affection, he decides to become a newsreel cameraman, despite having no experience in filmmaking, embarking on a journey filled with humorous and heartwarming missteps. The film chronicles his misadventures as he tries to capture newsworthy events, leading to a series of comedic blunders, each more amusing and chaotic than the last. His journey is characterized by both hilarious setbacks and unexpected triumphs, as he learns the ropes of filmmaking in the streets of New York City.
“The Cameraman” stands out for its clever combination of romance, comedy, and a behind-the-scenes look at the early film industry. Keaton’s physical comedy drives the film, as he experiences a series of challenges with his trademark resilience and inventiveness, turning even mundane tasks into a showcase of comedic genius. The film is renowned for its well-timed gags and Keaton’s ability to turn even the simplest scenario into a comedic displat, showcasing his masterful control of timing and physical humor. Furthermore, “The Cameraman” captures the essence of the 1920s’ fascination with cinema, highlighting the era’s growing obsession with newsreels and the developing film industry.
5. Safety Last! – Fred C. Newmeyer, Sam Taylor (1923)
“Safety Last!” stars Harold Lloyd as a young man who eagerly moves to the city to make enough money to marry his sweetheart, embarking on a journey filled with ambition and youthful optimism. He takes a job at a department store but finds himself in a series of humorous predicaments, each more absurd and entertaining than the last, as he navigates the complexities and quirks of urban employment. The film’s most famous sequence involves Lloyd climbing a skyscraper as part of a publicity stunt, leading to a succession of thrilling and comic moments. This iconic scene, featuring Lloyd dangling from a clock face high above the city, is not only a highlight of the film but also one of the most enduring images in cinematic history.
Lloyd’s performance in “Safety Last!” epitomizes the perfect blend of comedy and thrill that characterizes many of his films. His character’s determination, combined with a knack for getting into absurd situations, makes for an engaging and entertaining experience, as he transforms everyday challenges into moments of comedy. The film is celebrated for its inventive use of visual comedy and stunts, many of which were performed by Lloyd himself, demonstrating his skill and fearlessness as a performer. “Safety Last!” not only provides uproarious laughter but also an insightful look into the aspirations and challenges of the average person from this time, making it one of the best comedy films of the 1920s.
4. The Kid – Charlie Chaplin (1921)
“The Kid” features Charlie Chaplin in his iconic role as the Tramp, who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of an abandoned baby. The film combines humor and drama as the Tramp raises the child in a poverty-stricken neighborhood, forming a deep bond with him, navigating the challenges of life with a blend of humor, ingenuity, and heart. Their life together is filled with both comedic and tender moments, highlighting the struggles and joys of their unconventional father-son relationship, each scene filled with a mix of Chaplin’s trademark slapstick and emotive storytelling. The plot evolves as the child, now older, and the Tramp face various challenges, including attempts by authorities to separate them, leading to a series of both comical and touching escapades.
This film is known for its successful blend of comedy and drama, a departure from the purely slapstick style prevalent in films of that era. Chaplin’s performance is both humorous and heartwarming, showcasing his versatility as an actor and a storyteller, conveying a wide range of emotions without uttering a single word. “The Kid” is also significant for introducing Jackie Coogan as the child, who delivers a remarkable performance, adding depth to the film’s emotional layers, and complementing Chaplin’s character with his own blend of innocence and wit. The movie’s depiction of poverty and hardship, contrasted with the resilience and joy of its characters, offers a moving reflection of the human experience.
3. The General – Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman (1926)
In “The General”, Buster Keaton stars as Johnnie Gray, a train engineer during the American Civil War, whose life takes an unexpected turn when his locomotive, The General, is stolen by Union spies. This theft prompts Johnnie to embark on a daring chase, characterized by a relentless determination. The film is renowned for its impressive action sequences and stunts, as Johnnie uses his wit and ingenuity to outmaneuver the enemy and rescue his train, turning each obstacle into an opportunity for humor and heroics. The pursuit takes him on a thrilling adventure, filled with comedic mishaps and narrow escapes, as he also attempts to save his love interest, Annabelle Lee, who is caught up in the conflict, adding a layer of romantic intrigue to his quest.
“The General” is celebrated for its masterful blend of comedy, action, and romance, solidifying Buster Keaton’s status as a legendary figure in silent cinema. The innovative use of real locomotives and physical stunts set a new standard for action-comedy films, expanding the boundaries of what was possible in cinematic storytelling. Keaton’s stoic expressions and impeccable comic timing shine throughout the movie, making even the most perilous situations amusing, while his ability to convey a range of emotions without dialogue is nothing short of remarkable. “The General” is admired for its technical brilliance and enduring humor, ensuring its place as one of the best comedy films of the 1920s.
2. The Gold Rush – Charlie Chaplin (1925)
“The Gold Rush” features Charlie Chaplin as the iconic Little Tramp, who ventures into the Klondike in search of gold, embarking on a journey filled with challenges and unexpected encounters. Amidst the harsh conditions and the frenzied gold rush, the Tramp’s journey is filled with humorous and memorable moments, including his famous dance with bread rolls and a cabin teetering on the edge of a cliff. He encounters various characters along the way, including a fellow prospector and a charming dance hall girl, which leads to a series of comedic and adventurous situations, filling the narrative with both laughter and a sense of camaraderie. The film combines slapstick humor with a touching narrative, as the Tramp seeks both fortune and love in the snowy wilderness.
This film is celebrated for its perfect combination of comedy and adventure, highlighting Chaplin’s genius in visual storytelling. “The Gold Rush” is notable for its creative and humorous use of props, such as the bread roll dance scene, which has become one of the most iconic images in film history, showcasing Chaplin’s innovative spirit and mastery of physical comedy. His ability to evoke laughter and sympathy simultaneously is on full display, as he portrays the Tramp’s optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. The film’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of humor, romance, and Chaplin’s performance, making it a cornerstone of silent film comedy.
1. Sherlock, Jr. – Buster Keaton (1924)
In “Sherlock, Jr.,” Buster Keaton stars as a film projectionist who has dreams of becoming a detective, with hopes to fill his mundane life with a sense of intrigue and aspiration. After being falsely accused of stealing a pocket watch, he retreats into a fantasy where he becomes Sherlock Jr., a great detective, with many similarities to Sherlock Holmes, who can solve any case with ease. The film features a series of imaginative sequences, as the line between reality and fantasy blurs, creating a visually stunning and surreal experience. Keaton’s character embarks on a whimsical and daring adventure, showcasing a blend of clever detective work and signature Keaton slapstick, transforming everyday situations into extraordinary comedic escapades.
“Sherlock, Jr.” is renowned for its innovative filmmaking techniques, particularly the use of special effects to create the dream sequences, which were groundbreaking at the time and continue to amaze modern audiences. The film is proof of Keaton’s creativity and his ability to push the boundaries of cinema, blending reality with imagination in a way that was revolutionary for its time. His physical comedy and stunt work are particularly impressive, demonstrating his skill and courage as a performer. “Sherlock, Jr.” remains a fan favourite due to its artistic ingenuity and its blend of humor, action, and fantasy, making it one of the best comedy films of the 1920s.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best comedy films of the 1920s:
- Speedy – Ted Wilde (1928)
- Seven Chances – Buster Keaton (1925)
- The Circus – Charlie Chaplin (1928)
- Steamboat Bill, Jr. – Buster Keaton, Charles Reisner (1928)
- The Cameraman – Buster Keaton, Edward Sedgwick (1928)
- Safety Last! – Fred C. Newmeyer, Sam Taylor (1923)
- The Kid – Charlie Chaplin (1921)
- The General – Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman (1926)
- The Gold Rush – Charlie Chaplin (1925)
- Sherlock, Jr. – Buster Keaton (1924)
