Incomparable icon of American burlesque, Harold Lloyd starred in over two hundred comedies over a period of thirty-four years. It was with “Safety Last!”, released in 1923, that his career took off: his iconic scene where the actor climbs a building and is left hanging on a giant clock remains one of the greatest comedy moments ever filmed. This scene is not only a marvel of humor but also a masterpiece in terms of the screenplay: in addition to the physical action, there is a constantly escalating suspense and always fresh gags.
Released two years later, “The Freshman” became the biggest success of his career. In this precursor of the teen movie, Harold Lloyd portrays a lovable anti-hero, bumbling as ever but more determined than ever to gain popularity. The film is packed with hilarious incidents, culminating in a suspenseful match sequence.
Filmed in 1927, “The Kid Brother” solidifies Harold Lloyd’s reputation: his inventiveness and technical prowess, dedicated to emotion, rival his fellow comedy giants, the legendary Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
For his final silent film, “Speedy” (1928), the “man with the horn-rimmed glasses” paints an invaluable portrait of 1920s New York, taking the form of a high-paced meander through the metropolis. In addition to their irresistible humor and genius performance, these four films, available in restored versions, also share a valuable testimony on the urbanization and modernization of America before the 1929 crisis, capturing the rise of the middle class and the development of consumer society.
For young and old, from 6 years old!
