The Puzzle

About This Movie

So, 'The Puzzle' from 1910 is a pretty interesting slice of early cinema. You’ve got Max Linder, who really knows how to blend charm and comedy, and his fiancée Madge, both caught in this playful scheme to steal moments of intimacy. The whole setup is quite clever, using a game of blind man's buff as a cover for their escapades—definitely a nod to the romantic mischief found in silent comedies of the era. The pacing feels sprightly, fitting for its brief runtime, and the practical effects are charmingly rudimentary, but they work in creating that whimsical atmosphere. There's a certain innocence in how they navigate social norms, making it a curious reflection of its time.

This film is part of the silent era, and finding prints can be a challenge since it was released over a century ago. Most copies are either in private collections or archived in specialty film libraries. Collector interest is moderate, often driven by enthusiasts of silent comedies and those who appreciate Max Linder's work, making it a notable but not overly common piece in collector circles.