Feet First

Feet First is a fascinating feature film of the early sound era, released in 1930. Directed by reputable director, Clyde Bruckman, it stars the remarkable silent comedy superstar, Harold Lloyd, opposite the graceful Barbara Kent. Robert McWade also graces the screen with a key supporting role. The film's plot twists and turns with the life of its comical protagonist, offering a wholesome entertainment experience.

Feet First, as the title subtly suggests, is largely a story of step-by-step progress, embodying the spirit of the American Dream within its narrative. The protagonist, a character named Harold Horne, is expertly played by Harold Lloyd, demonstrating his mastery over the comedy genre once again. Lloyd, widely known for his visual style of comedy in the silent film era, transitions brilliantly into the world of sound films with Feet First, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Horne is a charismatic, hardworking shoe salesman from Honolulu, initially seen as an underdog, working diligently in his job without any significant recognition. The transformation of Harold from a shoe salesman to a corporate magnate forms the backbone of the story. The screenplay is polished with humor, dramatic moments, and is nicely paced to maintain an engaging storyline.

Adding color to Harold's life is the charming Barbara Kent. As the elegant and sweetly naive love interest, she effortlessly stands in contrast to the hilariously clumsy antics of Harold, adding an essence of romance to the movie, and acts as a catalyst to the narrative.

Another facet of Feet First is its remarkable technical aspect. Despite being a comedy, the film doesn't shy away from experimenting with shots and visual comedy. There are multiple scenes which are an undeniable cinematic spectacle, demonstrating a well-coordinated stunt choreography and special effects for its time, particularly in the latter half of the movie. These scenes, seamlessly integrated in the story, make this film an enduring example of Harold Lloyd's daring physical comedy.

Behind the whimsical madness of Harold's journey, there is a powerful underlying theme of ambition and dedication. It is rare to see a comedy that can blend hilarious fumbling escapades with a serious undertone of personal growth. The narrative is filled with metaphors and starkly honest imagery that serves to accentuate this theme, imprinting deep-seated messages through its laughter-loaded plot.

Robert McWade's role as a wealthy businessman further adds intrigue to the plot. His interactions with Lloyd's character present a dynamic that elicits both humorous situations and critical turning points in the story. His performance, coupled with effective direction and creative screenplay, contributes significantly to the film's entertainment quotient.

The sound editing of the film is top-notch, not seeming unwieldy or out of place, a testament to the mastery of film-making even at that period. Precise sound effects are elegantly interspersed with Lloyd's slapstick, maintaining the tempo of the comedy and giving the audience a resounding experience of sound cinema.

Harold Lloyd's performance stands out in the film. Portraying a character that elicits sympathy, admiration, and continuous laughter from the audience is no small feat, but Lloyd accomplishes it splendidly. He makes Harold Horne likable, humorous, and compelling throughout, bolstering the comedy with his ingenious acting skills.

In essence, Feet First is a remarkable film that succeeds admirably in translating silent film comedy into the sound era. Its juxtaposition of humor with heartfelt emotions, steadfast determination, and the pursuit of dreams offer a gratifying cinematic experience. With Harold Lloyd's memorable performance, Clyde Bruckman's direction, a compelling storyline, and breakthrough sound effects, Feet First stands as a significant stepping stone in the evolution of comedy cinema in the 1930s. Its enjoyment is still preserved for audiences nearly a century later, making it a timeless classic inside the annals of film history.