Jack Straw 1920
In William C. deMille's delightful silent comedy Jack Straw (1920), Robert Warwick stars as the titular iceman who trades his cart for a waiter's apron to court the elegant Carroll McComas.
Director: William C. deMille
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jack Straw (1920) about?
Jack Straw follows an iceman who becomes a waiter to win the affection of a society woman, then masquerades as a missing Pomeranian archduke to impress her—only to discover he's actually the real heir. The film blends mistaken identity with gentle satire, all unfolding in a series of escalating misunderstandings.
Who directed Jack Straw?
Jack Straw was directed by William C. deMille, a pioneering American filmmaker known for crafting elegant comedies and dramas during the silent era.
Who stars in Jack Straw?
The film stars Robert Warwick as Jack Straw, Carroll McComas as the object of his affection, and Charles Ogle in a supporting role, among others.
Is Jack Straw (1920) worth watching?
While underseen today, Jack Straw offers timeless charm with its clever plot twists and deMille's skillful direction. As a silent-era comedy, it rewards fans of vintage wit and lighthearted storytelling—even if its legacy isn't widely discussed.
How long is Jack Straw?
Jack Straw runs approximately 50 minutes, fitting the brisk pacing typical of many silent-era shorts.
About Jack Straw (1920) — A Silent Comedy of Mistaken Identities and Royal Lies
In William C. deMille's delightful silent comedy Jack Straw (1920), Robert Warwick stars as the titular iceman who trades his cart for a waiter's apron to court the elegant Carroll McComas. What begins as a simple pursuit of love takes a series of unforeseen twists when Jack adopts the guise of a missing Pomeranian archduke to impress his beloved, only to find himself tangled in a web of high society mistaken identities. Directed with lighthearted charm, the film swirls with mistaken roles, aristocratic absurdities, and a dash of mistaken nobility, all set against the backdrop of early 20th-century social satire.
As Jack's ruse escalates, so do the comedic consequences, culminating in a revelation that's as heartwarming as it is humorous. With its witty interplay of class, ambition, and deception, Jack Straw (1920) delivers a breezy, feel-good escape into silent-era cinema's knack for blending farce with unexpected sincerity.