Number, Please?

Number, Please? is a classic American silent era short comedy film that first premiered in 1920. It's an enduring piece of early film history that showcased the talents of its lead star, the legendary silent film actor Harold Lloyd and was directed by the skilled combination of Hal Roach and Fred C. Newmeyer. Despite being silent, it uses the language of visual humor, slapstick, and situational comedy to create an endearing and entertaining narrative that continues to charm audiences a century later.

The movie features Harold Lloyd playing the leading role of 'The Boy', while Mildred Davis appears as 'The Girl' and Roy Brooks as 'The Rival'. The straightforward characters and their roles offer a clear idea of the love triangle that forms the crux of the movie's plot and bring to the fore the film's comedic aspects.

Number, Please? begins with 'The Boy', Lloyd, enjoying a day out at a bustling amusement park. Here, he runs into 'The Girl', Davis, alongside her rather bulky dog. The power dynamic immediately shifts as a comical love triangle is introduced in the form of 'The Rival'. Brooks competes with Lloyd for Davis's attention. While this premise seems simple enough, it forms the backbone of an array of comedic events that take place throughout the film’s duration.

What sets Number, Please? apart from other films of the era is how it leverages a series of distinct settings – from a funhouse to a Ferris wheel to a carousel – to fuel the chaos and comedy that ensues. The amusement park setting, with its inherent busy atmosphere and numerous hideouts and props, drives the plot forward while keeping audiences on their toes.

A labyrinth of amusing events unfold as Lloyd, desperately trying to win over Davis, makes promises leading him into a frenzy of absurd situations and unforeseen troubles. Lloyd's slapstick antics and comedic timing, paired with Davis's damsel-in-distress meets independent-woman narrative, add an element of distinct charm and humor to the proceedings.

A unique aspect of Number, Please? lies in Harold Lloyd's character portrayal, which stands as a stark contrast to the 'loser' or 'tramp' characters often portrayed by his contemporaries, Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton. Lloyd is usually seen as a go-getter, a robust optimism in his performances that resonates with audiences, and this movie is no exception. Despite the sticky situations he invariably finds himself in, there's an underlying current of "American Dream" optimism in his character.

Another striking aspect of this movie is the expertise with which visual humor is used. The absence of sound amplifies the physical comedy, enabling the directors, Hal Roach and Fred C. Newmeyer, to create complex comedy setups that are woven seamlessly into the plot. The chase sequences and chaotic moments are directed with brilliant comedic timing, making Number, Please? a fascinating watch and a masterclass in visual humor.

Number, Please? provides an insight into the simpler times of the 1920s, where culture and societal norms were drastically different. Still, the universal appeal of humor connects seamlessly with modern audiences. This silent comedy showcases a slice of life from the bygone era and provides a humorous commentary on love, rivalry, and the desperate attempts of a man vying for a woman's attention.

Lastly, the film's title "Number, Please?" acts as a vital subplot revolving around the lack of mobile phones in the era it was set. It refers to the struggles faced by the characters, especially Lloyd, as they deal with a plethora of situations while trying to make a simple phone call.

Overall, Number, Please? is a celebration of silent comedy interspersed with humorous commentary on human follies and love triangles, driven by ingenious comedic chases and sharp visual humor. It's an iconic film from the silent era that still retains its charm for contemporary audiences and stands as a testament to the talents of legendary actor Harold Lloyd.