The Broker's Athletic Typewriter

About This Movie

So, 'The Broker's Athletic Typewriter' is one of those early comedies that really leans into the absurdity of workplace dynamics. The plot is pretty straightforward—a boss gets a bit too handsy with his secretary, and she retaliates by teaching him a memorable lesson. The pacing feels brisk, typical of silent comedies of the era, with a lot of slapstick humor that hinges on physicality rather than dialogue. It's interesting to see how these themes of gender roles and office propriety were navigated so early in cinema. The performances are exaggerated, which is par for the course, but it still manages to have its own charm, especially with the practical effects they employed for comedic impact.

This film is quite rare in collector circles, primarily due to its age and the limited number of prints that have survived. It originally was released in various formats, but locating a reliable screening or print can be a challenge. Interest tends to spike around discussions of early comedy and its portrayal of gender roles, making it a notable piece for enthusiasts of silent cinema.