He Comes Up Smiling 1918
Allan Dwan's zany 1918 slapstick comedy *He Comes Up Smiling* follows Jerry Martin, a disillusioned bank clerk who abandons the drudgery of his routine life and joins a wandering band of carefree hobos.
Director: Allan Dwan
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is He Comes Up Smiling (1918) about?
The film centers on Jerry Martin, a bored bank clerk who quits his job and joins a group of wandering hobos. Adopting the alias Bachelor, Jerry finds himself caught in a comedic web when dangerous criminals mistake him for the real Bachelor and begin chasing him. It's a lighthearted tale of mistaken identity and survival on the road.
Who directed He Comes Up Smiling?
Allan Dwan directed *He Comes Up Smiling*. Known for his prolific output in silent cinema, Dwan crafted energetic comedies and swashbuckling adventures that showcased his knack for dynamic storytelling.
Who stars in He Comes Up Smiling?
Douglas Fairbanks leads the cast, with Marjorie Daw, Herbert Standing, Frank Campeau, and Bull Montana rounding out the ensemble.
Is He Comes Up Smiling (1918) worth watching?
*He Comes Up Smiling* is a delightful slice of early silent-era comedy, especially for fans of Douglas Fairbanks' trademark athleticism and charm. While modern audiences may find its pacing slow, the film's playful spirit and preserved sequences make it a charming artifact of cinema history worth exploring for its historical and cultural value.
How long is He Comes Up Smiling?
The runtime of *He Comes Up Smiling* is 50 minutes.
About He Comes Up Smiling (1918) — Douglas Fairbanks' Silly Silent Comedy Classic
Allan Dwan's zany 1918 slapstick comedy *He Comes Up Smiling* follows Jerry Martin, a disillusioned bank clerk who abandons the drudgery of his routine life and joins a wandering band of carefree hobos. Posing as Bachelor, the self-styled "king of the market," Jerry's lighthearted disguise takes a dangerous turn when a pair of ruthless criminals mistake him for the real Bachelor and begin a relentless pursuit across the countryside. Packed with energetic gags, physical comedy, and Dwan's signature wit, the film captures the spirit of early cinema's love for roguish charm and escapism. Though only fragments survive today, its preserved scenes offer a lively snapshot of silent-era fun where underdogs outwit their foes against a backdrop of hustle and hustle-bustle.
Starring silent-screen icon Douglas Fairbanks in top form, *He Comes Up Smiling* blends rollicking adventure with the timeless allure of reinvention. Fairbanks shines as the ever-resourceful Jerry, whose quick thinking and cheerful resilience turn misfortune into opportunity. The film's breezy tone and Fairbanks' charismatic performance make it a standout in the comedy genre, evoking a bygone era when celluloid heroes could step off the street corner and into legend with little more than a grin and a daring stunt.