The Speeder 1922
"A comedy funny enough to shake a tombstone with laughter."
In this 1922 silent comedy short, Lloyd Hamilton pours his life savings into a barely roadworthy automobile affectionately nicknamed "The Speeder," sparking a whirlwind of slapstick chaos and misadventures.
Director: Lloyd Bacon
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Speeder (1922) about?
A man invests his life savings into a rickety new car, only to discover the journey ahead is wilder than he imagined. What follows is a series of car-centric catastrophes, from mechanical failures to run-ins with authority figures, all delivered with the frenetic energy of early silent comedy.
Who directed The Speeder?
The film was directed by Lloyd Bacon, who later became known for his work in Hollywood's golden age. Here, he channels his skills into crafting a short but unforgettable silent comedy.
Who stars in The Speeder?
The cast is led by silent comedy legend Lloyd Hamilton, joined by Ruth Hiatt, Tom Kennedy, and the director himself, Lloyd Bacon.
Is The Speeder (1922) worth watching?
As a silent-era comedy, *The Speeder* delivers pure, unfiltered fun with minimal dialogue and maximum physical humor. While it may lack the polish of later films, its energy and charm make it a delightful 20-minute watch for comedy enthusiasts and vintage film buffs alike.
How long is The Speeder?
The Speeder runs for 20 minutes, making it a perfect bite-sized addition to any silent comedy marathon.
About The Speeder (1922) — A 20-Minute Silent Comedy Classic Full of Charm and Chaos
In this 1922 silent comedy short, Lloyd Hamilton pours his life savings into a barely roadworthy automobile affectionately nicknamed "The Speeder," sparking a whirlwind of slapstick chaos and misadventures. Directed by Lloyd Bacon, this 20-minute silent gem blends frenetic car chases, mechanical mishaps, and exaggerated physical humor to deliver laughs that feel as fresh today as they did a century ago. With a tagline promising to "shake a tombstone with laughter," the film leans into the anarchic energy of early cinema, where even a simple errand behind the wheel can spiral into comedic disaster.
Starring Hamilton alongside Ruth Hiatt and Tom Kennedy, *The Speeder* captures the spirit of post-war optimism and the absurdity of early automotive culture, where progress came with a side of pratfalls. The film's charm lies in its unpretentious energy, relying on broad visual gags and kinetic pacing to keep audiences grinning. Though modest in length, its relentless humor makes it a standout in the silent comedy canon.
Fans of slapstick, vintage automobiles, or Lloyd Hamilton's signature brand of chaotic comedy will find plenty to love in this breezy, 20-minute escape.