The Kid Brother

As a lover of silent comedies, I have decided that every once in a while I am going to review a classic film or short or two. As I am watching it now the first of these shall be The Kid Brother directed by Ted Wilde.

Released in 1927, The Kid Brother is possibly Harold Lloyd's finest feature film (though The Freshman and Safety Last! might have something to say about that). It stars Lloyd as Sheriff Hickory's youngest son, somewhat put upon by his father and two older brothers. Harold, without the muscles of his siblings, must use his brains to earn the respect of them and his father, and the love of his girl. Ah, the ever present silent comedy girl. On this occasion Jobyna Ralston plays Mary Powers a member of a medicine show. Unfortunately, Sheriff Hickory will not have any medicine shows in his town. However, while the Sheriff is at a town meeting, Harold plays as Sheriff and is mistaken as such by the leader of the medicine show. From here there follows a series of minor catastrophes involving Harold in some way. However, when the money for raised for a dam goes missing while in the Hickorys' possession, it is time for Harold to save the day!

While the film never quite scales the heights set by the likes of Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin (though to be honest I have never really 'got into' his films in the same way as with Keaton, Lloyd and Laurel & Hardy), it is absolutely always entertaining and often side-splittingly funny. One scene that stood out for me was one where Harold is being chased by his brothers as they wished to attempt to court Mary. Another scene earlier in the film has the brothers trying to get at Harold without being seen by Mary, while hiding behind curtains and such and Harold using Mary as a kind of protective aura. These are just two of the many stand-out scenes early in the film, with many more to look forward to right on through to the movie's conclusion.

I would recommend The Kid Brother and indeed much of Harold Lloyd's work to not only film enthusiasts but the anyone who enjoys simple, honest fun films.

★★★★★