The Criterion Collection has done a new 2K restoration of the classic silent film, Safety Last. Even if you’ve never seen this film, you probably at least know about it in some dark region of your brain. Made in 1923 and features the famous scene of Harold Lloyd hanging from a clock high atop a building in downtown LA.
English: Image located opposite Page 145; Caption: SAFETY LAST – Suspended above Los Angeles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This is where may of the old standby comedic plots arose. However, back in 1923, these new and innovative plots. Trying to impress his girlfriend Lloyd tells her he doing well at his new job in the city, in reality he’s barley getting by as a clerk in a department store. His girlfriend shows up and of course he pretends to be some big shot. Almost getting caught many times.
Featuring many silly and crazy stunts for a laugh. In 2013 it still as funny as it was back in 1923. The film moves nicely and at 75 minutes never really lingers on any subject too long.
My local art theater showed this film to an almost packed theater and everyone enjoyed it, laughing for most of the film. Pretty good for silent picture.
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