The Clever Mrs. Carfax

About This Movie

The Clever Mrs. Carfax is quite the curiosity from 1917, thrown into the realm of comedy with a unique premise. The story revolves around Temple Trask, who cleverly disguises himself as 'Mrs. Carfax' to pen advice in a newspaper column. There's this delightful charm to the pacing, especially during the college reunion scenes where Temple's female impersonation act steals the show. The humor, while a product of its time, has an endearing quality, and the practical effects, though simple, are employed with a certain creativity. The performances, especially that of the lead, are engaging, capturing the spirit of the era nicely. It’s really a distinctive example of early comedic storytelling.

This film is a rare gem in early cinema with limited format history, primarily available in silent film collections. As far as collector interest goes, it remains somewhat niche, yet those who appreciate vintage comedies often seek it out for its whimsical narrative and period performances. The scarcity of original prints makes it a point of intrigue for serious collectors, enhancing its appeal in the context of early 20th-century film history.