An Eastern Westerner

About 'An Eastern Westerner'

'An Eastern Westerner' is a silent short comedy film released on May 2, 1920. It is directed by Hal Roach and stars comedy legend Harold Lloyd. The plot revolves around a young city boy who is sent to the West by his disgruntled father to learn some humility. However, the boy ends up becoming a heroic figure in his attempt to save a girl from a gang of hoodlums. This film effectively uses the contrast between the urban and rural lifestyle to amusing consequences, showcasing Harold Lloyd's comedic brilliance.

Making / Production

The film was produced under the banner of Hal Roach Studios, which has created many silent comedies. It was shot in black and white using silent film technology. The process included capturing scenes in heavy costumes and make-up to translate well in the monochromatic film.

Actors

• Harold Lloyd played the protagonist 'Young New Yorker.' Known for his physical comedy, Lloyd's charismatic performance is often highlighted by his professional wit and slapstick humor.
• Mildred Davis played the 'Girl in trouble.' Portraying the innocent and distressed girl, she brought charm and suspense to the storyline.
• Snub Pollard was the 'Black Bart.' As the villain of the story, he portrayed a menacing character convincingly.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is one of the earliest examples of 'collision of cultures' genre, where a character from a different culture or society is placed in a contrasting environment.
• Harold Lloyd performed most of his stunts himself, demonstrating his dedication and risks of early cinema.

Awards

As a film from the 1920s, 'An Eastern Westerner' didn't participate in the glitz of the Academy Awards, which initiated only later in 1929. However, its importance lies in its contribution to the development of silent cinema.

Quotes

• "The West is no place for a moral coward." - Father
• "I'm not a baby, I can take care of myself." - Young New Yorker

Music, Soundtrack

As a silent film, 'An Eastern Westerner' did not feature any dialogues or soundtracks. However, in many screenings, live music was often played setting the tone and mood for each scene.