Speedy (1928)

Nominated for 1 Academy Award:

Best Directing (Comedy Picture)

Ted Wilde

It won 0 Oscars out of a total of 1 nomination in 1927-28.


Speedy, the nickname of protagonist Harold Swift, is an out-of-work soda jerk and die-hard Yankees fan who becomes tasked with stopping a potential railroad merger from taking over the small horse-car operation being run by his girlfriend's grandfather.  A provision that requires the grandfather to drive his horse-car once every twenty-four hours becomes the set-up for a series of mishaps, antics and rapid-fire sight gags - the driving force behind this silent comedy.

Being one of only two nominees, it is the only film to ever lose the Oscar for Best Directing of a Comedy Picture, a category that would be disbanded by the Academy's second year.

By far the most interesting thing about this film, in terms of watching it in the 21st century, is that it was, for the most part, shot on location in New York City.  There are some wonderful shots throughout the film that give current-day viewers a detailed look at the Big Apple during the roaring 1920s.  From an historical perspective, this makes it quite the artifact.

Another triumph for the film is the significant cameo made by George Herman Ruth.  That's right, sports fans.  The Sultan of Swat.  The King of Crash.  The Colossus of Clout.  The Great Bambino.  Babe Ruth.  He gives us quite the convincing performance in a role he was born to play:  himself.  The Babe had worked with director Ted Wilde previously and was reportedly enough of a fan of his that he was commissioned to appear in this picture, as well.  Oh, and if one Yankee weren't enough, Lou Gehrig also makes an appearance in the film, though it lasts roughly two seconds.  Yes, both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig appear in the same movie!  What's that?  Never heard of 'em?  You're killin' me, Smalls.


Editorial:

Despite the now-overdone sight gags, such as the classic dollar-on-a-string, and the formulaic story-line of a Mom & Pop operation under attack by Big Business (the grandfather's name is actually "Pop," by the way), the film does come through in a lot of ways.  I applaud several scenes for an unmatched creativity and originality, such as the hilarious street riot involving crazed Civil War veterans brandishing a wide array of household items as weapons.

Score  |  06/10  |  This motion picture is worth watching.