The Way of a Man with a Maid 1918
"Suppose you drew down just twenty-one bucks PER WEEK! And every night you took your sweetheart out, you HAD to blow the whole twenty-one! WHAT would YOU do about it?"
In *The Way of a Man with a Maid (1918)*, Donald Crisp's silent-era comedy captures the chaos of love, ambition, and financial folly.
Director: Donald Crisp
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Way of a Man with a Maid (1918)* about?
This silent comedy follows Arthur McArney, a devoted shipping clerk who goes to extravagant lengths to win the affection of a stylish stenographer. His efforts to keep up with her spending spiral into absurdity, forcing him to take on desperate measures just to stay in the game.
Who directed *The Way of a Man with a Maid*?
Donald Crisp directed this 1918 comedy, bringing a keen sense of visual humor and pacing to the film.
Who stars in *The Way of a Man with a Maid*?
The film features Bryant Washburn as Arthur McArney, Wanda Hawley as Elsa Owenson, and a supporting cast that includes Clarence Geldart, Jay Dwiggins, and Bessie Eyton.
Is *The Way of a Man with a Maid (1918)* worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, this silent comedy offers a delightful snapshot of early 20th-century humor and social satire. Fans of classic slapstick and early cinema will appreciate its charm, even if the plot leans into familiar tropes.
How long is *The Way of a Man with a Maid*?
The film runs for 50 minutes.
About The Way of a Man with a Maid (1918) — Silent Comedy Classic on Love's Financial Fiascos
In *The Way of a Man with a Maid (1918)*, Donald Crisp's silent-era comedy captures the chaos of love, ambition, and financial folly. Directed with a sharp eye for comedic timing by Crisp himself, this 50-minute romp follows Arthur McArney, a modest shipping clerk whose heart—and wallet—take a beating when he falls for Elsa Owenson, a glamorous stenographer with a taste for the finer things. Between lavish dates that drain his weekly paycheck and scraps for cab fare, Arthur's desperate efforts to impress Elsa lead to a string of disasters, from pawning his watch to chasing odd jobs just to keep up. Directed by Donald Crisp and starring Bryant Washburn and Wanda Hawley, this early 20th-century farce blends slapstick humor with commentary on class and consumerism, all wrapped in the giddy energy of silent cinema.
The film's charm lies in its absurd yet relatable premise: how far would you go to win over someone who outspends your means? With its witty tagline and breezy runtime, *The Way of a Man with a Maid* offers a nostalgic yet timeless look at the trials of young love and the price of aspiration.