Modern Love (1929)
Call of the Cuckoo (Clyde Bruckman, US 1927, 17 min., 16mm)
Modern Love (Arch Heath, US 1929, 60 min., 35mm)
An early sound film, Modern Love demonstrates the sometimes awkward transition from silents to talkies as comedian Charley Chase makes his first feature-length talking film. Chase plays John Jones, a man who knows his place—and his woman’s. Patricia Brown (Kathryn Crawford) wants to marry John, but also keep her position as a clothing designer, so they marry in secret. In order to keep up appearances, they live apart, which seems to be working until Patricia meets Renault (Jean Hersholt), the French owner of the firm, who takes a liking to her. Suddenly, John finds himself in the position of fighting for his wife while keeping their relationship under wraps. His plan begins by posing as a butler at Renault’s dinner party.
Preceded by Call of the Cuckoo, also featuring Chase and several of his compatriots from the Hal Roach studio. Papa Gimplewart (Max Davidson) and his family (including Spec O’Donnell) move to their new home only to find out that it is located next to an insane asylum. Chase, Stan Laurel, and Oliver Hardy are among the inmates.
Live piano accompaniment by Dr. Philip C. Carli.