As Luck Would Have It 1917
In As Luck Would Have It (1917), a charming silent-era comedy directed by Al Christie, newlywed Eddie Barry concocts an elaborate ruse to keep his wife Betty Compson smiling.
Director: Al Christie
Cast




Frequently Asked Questions
What is As Luck Would Have It (1917) about?
This silent comedy follows Eddie Barry, who pretends to be a race car driver to please his wife, only to face a hilarious dilemma when a stunt double gets injured. With time running out and a skeptical doctor in the mix, Eddie must improvise to keep his secret—and his marriage—intact.
Who directed As Luck Would Have It?
As Luck Would Have It was helmed by Al Christie, a prolific director of silent comedies known for his sharp wit and innovative visual storytelling.
Who stars in As Luck Would Have It?
The film features Betty Compson, Harry Ham, Eddie Barry, and Ethel Lynne in the lead roles, delivering performances that drive the story's comedic energy.
Is As Luck Would Have It (1917) worth watching?
For silent film enthusiasts, this 16-minute gem offers a fun snapshot of early 20th-century comedy, complete with clever gags and charming performances. While it's not a groundbreaking masterpiece, its breezy runtime and lighthearted tone make it a pleasant watch for fans of classic film humor.
How long is As Luck Would Have It?
As Luck Would Have It runs for 16 minutes, a typical length for silent-era short comedies of the era.
About As Luck Would Have It (1917) — A Silent Comedy Classic of Love and Racing Mischief
In As Luck Would Have It (1917), a charming silent-era comedy directed by Al Christie, newlywed Eddie Barry concocts an elaborate ruse to keep his wife Betty Compson smiling. Desperate to fulfill her wish for him to race cars, he hires a stunt double to take his place on the track—only for chaos to erupt when a crash leaves the stuntman injured. With a hospital visit looming and no real injuries to show for, Eddie must convince a skeptical doctor to play along with his far-fetched scheme.
Set against the fast-paced backdrop of early 20th-century racing culture, the film blends slapstick humor with the timeless themes of marital mischief and clever deception. Christie's direction infuses the short runtime with lively pacing and witty visual gags, while Betty Compson and Harry Ham's dynamic performances anchor the comedic chaos. The result is a delightful slice of silent-era entertainment that balances absurdity with heartfelt charm.