Poultry à la Mode

About This Movie

Poultry à la Mode is a quirky little comedy from 1916, where Rube Miller and Ben Turpin find themselves in a harem, and things get delightfully absurd. The film's atmosphere is light and playful, with a pacing that's brisk, giving you a constant stream of slapstick humor and visual gags. There's a distinct charm in the practical effects, typical of silent comedies, and the performances by Miller and Turpin have that wonderful energy. You can almost feel the playful spontaneity, especially with Turpin's trademark expressions adding a unique layer to the comedic situations. It’s fascinating how early cinema tackled themes of exoticism through a comedic lens, offering a snapshot of cultural perceptions from that era.

Poultry à la Mode is a rare gem in the silent film era, with its scarcity making it a point of interest for collectors. Most prints are hard to come by, and many have survived in a less than ideal state. It seems appreciation for such early comedies is growing, especially as collectors seek to understand the roots of slapstick humor. If you come across a decent copy, it’s worth snagging for its historical value and the chance to see early comedic styles in action.