What's the World Coming To?

What's the World Coming To? is a captivating, satirical, and revolutionary silent film, released in 1926. This futuristic, comedy effort stretches its boundaries as it speculates about the state of human society in the coming days. It presents an idea that may have seemed offbeat in the 1920s but now, in retrospect, has a certain sense of curiosity and charm to it.

At the helm of the cast is the talented Clyde Cook, known for his impeccable comic timing and physical comedy. Cook, at the time, was an emerging star in the silent film era who had a distinctive style, characterized by exaggeration and high-energy slapstick humor. The audience sees him portraying the role of a man in a world flipped on its head, where he attempts to navigate changing societal expectations.

Alongside Cook is the charismatic and profoundly talented Katherine Grant. She plays a significant part in the film and provides a refreshingly strong female presence. Her character, inhabited with grit and perseverance, pushes the envelope and emphasizes the film's comedic and playful take on gender roles and societal norms.

James Finlayson, another gem from the silent film era, significantly contributes to the movie's comedy elements with his renowned comedic skills. Known for his iconic double take and moustache-twirling, Finlayson brings on screen a characterization that is amusing, likeable, and unforgettable.

Set 100 years in the future (imagined from the vantage point of 1926), What's the World Coming To? experiments with the then-novel concept of role reversal. The film takes us into a world ruled by women, where men are the 'weaker' sex, bearing the societal expectations of beauty, staying home, and taking care of the children. The movie explores this modern-futuristic society that sees women adopting roles traditionally held by men and men gingerly stepping into the sphere generally monopolized by women in that era.

The movie starts off by setting the scene of this upside-down world. It then takes the audience on a light-hearted, comedic journey as it introduces our protagonist and his struggles to navigate this changed society. The audience watches as Clyde Cook's character, the newlywed husband, humorously fumbles through his dish duties and finds himself at a tea party surrounded by fellow husbands. The genius of this film lies in its satirical take on gender stereotypes, where traditional roles are completely reversed, and Cook's character stands at the center of it all - disoriented, anxious, but always entertaining.

Furthermore, the film incorporates several off the wall elements that seem bizarre in the context of the times it was made, such as a proposal where the woman is the one asking for the man's hand in marriage. Such elements not only infuse humor but also provoke thought on the societal norms of the time.

Throughout the narrative, many wacky futuristic devices and offbeat societal structures introduce the viewers to the imaginative world of 2026. Despite the over-the-top humor, there are clever undertones that question gender roles, societal norms, and the clash of modernity vs. tradition. However, the film treats these subjects with such lighthearted satire that it never turns preachy, always keeping the audience laughing and enthralled.

The production impressively employs creative techniques for its time, such as the use of slapstick humor, exaggeration, and visual gags, to make for some truly memorable moments. The skillful use of props, costumes, and set design adds layers to this flipped world and does not fail to draw out laughter every time Cook struggles with his new husky attire. Coupled with top-notch performances from its leads, What's The World Coming To? pushes the boundaries of silent films and does not shy away from poking fun at societal norms.

A film way ahead of its time, What's the World Coming To? is a comedy that takes its audience on a hilarious, thought-provoking ride. With its clever script, compelling performances, and vivid imagination, it provides an unusual yet fascinating perspective on the future from the standpoint of the 1920s. Whether you are a fan of silent cinema or simply enjoy a good comedy, this movie entices you to join Clyde Cook's character on his peculiar journey, making for an enjoyable cinematic journey.