Some friends find others tripping and falling funny—which is classic slapstick comedy. Absurd situations, head smacks, and slipping on banana peels became sources of entertainment during the 1900s to 1930s silent film era. This form of comedy was mostly prevalent before the invention of synchronized sound, requiring humor to be visually shown rather than spoken. These silent film comedies were used as a form of escapism from the harsh realities endured during the Great Depression and World War I. Modern forms of this type of comedy can be seen in childhood favorites such as Tom and Jerry, Mr. Bean, Pink Panther, and Willy Wonka; all are heavily influenced by the silent film stars.
Slapstick comedy is still used and relevant today because audiences never know what’s coming next. According to the American Film Institute, roughly 75% of silent films are lost, as it was believed they didn’t have any value beyond their theatrical run. When the new films including synchrised audio called “talkies” emerged, slapstick humor evolved but never lost its charm. The stars coming out of silent films laid the foundation for future generations of comedians and helped shape the world of comedy as we know it today.
One of the most progressive characters of the silent film era was Charlie Chaplin. The “Tramp” was played by actor Charles Spencer Chaplin who popularized comedy in early Hollywood. Born in London, April 16th, 1889, Chaplin’s rise to fame began in the early 1910s when he joined the Keystone Studios. He created his own character with a signature bowl-shaped hat, cane, and distinctive mustache. Chaplin’s films often combined humor with social and political commentary, addressing issues like poverty, class struggle, and the human condition. Despite his comedic approach, Chaplin’s work resonated deeply with audiences during challenging times such as the Great Depression. The Library of Congress congratulates Charlie Chaplin for his films transcending the language barriers and becoming a universal form of entertainment, connecting people from diverse backgrounds.
Many silent film actors failed to transition into the “talkies,” but Chaplin was one of the few who successfully managed it. He used his voice to advocate and critique dictators during World War II. His first film with dialogue was “The Great Dictator” in 1940. Although the film was filled with gags about Hitler’s incompetence and envy towards Mussolini, Chaplin’s speech at the end of the film is one of the most impactful speeches in cinematic history. In this monologue, Chaplin was not in his “Tramp” persona, and spoke directly to the audience. He delivered a heartfelt call to action for peace, unity, and humanity, condemning tyranny and oppression. His words resonate deeply, reminding viewers of the importance of compassion, and still holds relevance today.
Another silent film star that gained stardom, inspired by Chaplin’s filmography, was Harold Lloyd. While Chaplin’s “Tramp” character was distinguished and a brand for him, Lloyd carved out his niche with his optimistic, spectacled average man who goes through everyday troubles. He was born in Burchard, Nebraska on April 20th, 1893. Chaplin began acting when he was a kid in San Diego, California, and he wanted to pursue a career in acting in the future. In 1913, he moved to Los Angeles to seek opportunities in the film industry. Soon, he became well known for his dangerous stunts and athleticism. One of Lloyd’s most iconic stunts is from the 1923 film “Safety Last!” where he dangles from the hands of a large clock high above a city street.
His stunts, performed without special effects or a stunt double, set him apart from others. He injured himself in 1919 during the filming of Haunted Spooks in a prop bomb accident, resulting in the loss of the thumb and index finger of his right hand, according to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Lloyd was still persistent and filmed his stunts with a prosthetic hand. Lloyd’s approach to comedy, however, was different from Chaplin’s commentary on real world issues. His characters faced challenges related to social status, work, and personal relationships, which resonated with audiences during the early 20th century. Over his 200 films in his career, his performances brought escapism and laughter during difficult times.
Similar to Lloyd’s stunt comedy, Buster Keaton was a prominent comedian known for his stunts and stone-faced expression, nicknamed, “The Great Stone Face.” Born in Piqua, Kansas, on October 4, 1895, Keaton also started off as a child actor. Keaton was famous for performing his own stunts, often risking his life for the sake of comedy. He sustained many injuries in his films, even having a prolonged broken neck for 30 years of his career. One of his most famous stunts was from the 1928 film Steamboat Bill, Jr., where the façade of a house collapsed around him, and didn’t blow him away because he fit through an open window. This scene remains one of the most iconic stunts in film history, and it was done with no visual effects. Keaton’s films were out of the box, and extremely creative, especially with no communication with the audience directly; he was able to convey his humor through visuals.
Keaton’s comedy differs from Lloyd’s and Chaplin’s, often depicting characters who faced overwhelming odds with calm determination. He frequently gets involved in absurd and chaotic situations that wouldn’t happen to an average person. Despite his success in the silent film era, Keaton faced significant personal and professional challenges later in his career. The transition to “talkies” was difficult for him, and he struggled with issues such as alcoholism. According to his autobiography, My Wonderful World of Slapstick, the shift to sound films and his contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) limited his creative freedom, leading to a decline in his career.
An honorable mention is the comedic duo, Laurel and Hardy. Laurel’s naive and bumbling character paired with Hardy’s frustration created a very contrasting, and a perfect entertaining duo. Their chemistry made them a standout act in both silent and sound films.
I recommend classic silent films for comedy lovers to entertain themselves as they are not only impactful in meaning, but the comedy still holds up today. With a variety of slapstick comedy styles, each film offers a unique humor, proving that they all bring something different to the table. Chaplin’s social commentary, Lloyd’s thrilling stunts, or Keaton’s deadpan expression laid the foundation for modern comedy, jokes often still used today, and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
