The Barber Shop

The Barbershop is a short comedy film released in 1933, during the height of what is known as the golden age of comedy in American cinema. This period produced many iconic silent film actors and talkie stars, one of whom was W.C. Fields, an adept juggler-turned-comedian known for his comic timing, unique persona, and instantly recognizable drawl.

In The Barbershop, W.C. Fields steps into the role of Cornelius O'Hare, an eccentric and often distracted barber who owns a small-town establishment that caters to a variety of colorful characters. The film showcases Field's trademark blend of slapstick and verbal humor, and although it is a product of the early sound era, it tips its hat to the silent film traditions through exaggerated physical comedy and visual gags.

Cornelius' barbershop is a hub of activity, a place where townsfolk come not only to trim their whiskers but to swap stories, engage in idle chit-chat, and enjoy the unique ambiance provided by their host's peculiar antics. Fields' character is both lovable and maddening, prone to bouts of inadvertent destruction and obliviousness to the personal space or safety of his customers.

Elise Cavanna co-stars as Field's assistant, Miss Peppitone, whose duties appear to be as much about managing Cornelius' eccentricities as they are about helping run the barbershop. Cavanna brings a sense of slapstick grace to her role, engaging in physical comedy that is both athletic and humorous; her interactions with Fields being a highlight of the film. Harry Watson features as another supporting character, adding to the dynamic ensemble that populates the comedic world of The Barbershop.

Akin to many of W.C. Fields' films, The Barbershop is filled with situational comedy setups that are timeless in their appeal. One trademark element is how the barbershop serves as a microcosm for the larger world outside, drawing in a microcosm of society into the comedic sphere of Fields' character. Each client brings their own story and characteristics, providing a canvas for Cornelius to interact with them in various comedic scenarios.

The film takes us through a typical day in the life of Cornelius as he navigates a series of encounters with his patrons. Some come for a simple cut, others for a shave, and a few for interactions that spiral into comedic chaos. Fields plays Cornelius as a guild master of unorthodoxy, his methods and techniques treading a fine line between genius and madness. The barbershop's setting, with its sharp instruments and potential for disaster, is ripe for Fields' brand of humor, wherein ordinary tasks are never just routine, but a prelude to comedic catastrophe.

Throughout The Barbershop, we witness a series of slapstick misadventures. From the handling of the barber's tools to the application of various tonics and hair treatments, Cornelius' approach is infused with a sense of playful anarchy. The simple act of cutting hair or preparing a customer for a shave becomes an ordeal fraught with exaggerated threats and hilarious consequences.

The film unfolds with Fields' character engaging in off-the-cuff banter with his clients, many of whom serve as straight men to his comedic jabs. His irreverent take on barbershop conversation, coupled with his penchant for storytelling and absurd observations, adds a layer of witty dialogue humor in contrast to the visual gags.

While the plot of The Barbershop is simple, the joy in the film lies in the execution of the comedy—each scene is a set piece that showcases Field's comedic prowess, physical control, and timing. The barbershop is staged as a theatre of the absurd, where instruments become props, the barber's chair a stage, and every haircut a performance teetering on the edge of disaster.

Despite (or due to) the inherent chaos, there is an underlying warmth to the film. It captures the ambiance of small-town America during the era, with its close-knit communities and charming, if slightly peculiar, personalities. W.C. Fields, with his bulging eyes and bemused expression, personifies the spirit of an era that found humor in the mundane and the absurd in the ordinary.

Overall, The Barbershop stands as a testament to the talent and comic artistry of W.C. Fields and his co-stars, exhibiting the simple yet skillful humor that continues to resonate with audiences, encapsulating a brand of comedy that is both grounded in its time and timeless in its appeal.