Comedy is a Man in Trouble: Slapstick in American Movies
by Alan Dale
Alan Dale has written a great book, but only for a specific audience. Slapstick is still present in modern movies, but with exception to his chapter dedicated to Jerry Lewis, the entire book is devoted to old movie stars. If you’re not a die-hard Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, or Marx Brothers fan (or don’t even know who they are) this is not the book for you.
Now, those who like silent movies and early talkies, let’s talk about the book. If you’ve seen most of Buster Keaton’s movies (or whoever the chapter is titled after), you’ll be on the exact same page (no pun intended) with Dale as he references specific jokes from many of his films. Dale also gives a history of comedy in silent films, explaining the literal clown-ish behavior and physicality of humor, because no one could rely on a verbal joke. Parts of the writing feel a little dry, almost like a textbook, and only if you’ve seen dozens upon dozens of films will you be able to keep up with Dale’s examples. I happen to be a total movie buff—who just adores Buster Keaton—so I didn’t get lost until the Jerry Lewis chapter.
Now, those who like silent movies and early talkies, let’s talk about the book. If you’ve seen most of Buster Keaton’s movies (or whoever the chapter is titled after), you’ll be on the exact same page (no pun intended) with Dale as he references specific jokes from many of his films. Dale also gives a history of comedy in silent films, explaining the literal clown-ish behavior and physicality of humor, because no one could rely on a verbal joke. Parts of the writing feel a little dry, almost like a textbook, and only if you’ve seen dozens upon dozens of films will you be able to keep up with Dale’s examples. I happen to be a total movie buff—who just adores Buster Keaton—so I didn’t get lost until the Jerry Lewis chapter.