The Boob (1926) [Warner Archive Blu-ray review]

“The Boob” follows the story of Peter Good, a naive and earnest young man played by George K. Arthur, who lives in a small American town. Desperate to win the affection of his love interest, Amy (played by Gertrude Olmstead), Peter decides to prove his mettle by taking on the local bootleggers that plague his community. The film captures the comedic misadventures that ensue as Peter, a true “boob” or fool in the slang of the era, attempts to navigate the complexities of love and law enforcement.

The narrative gains depth with the involvement of Harry (Charles Murray), a revenuer (prohibition agent) who is also Peter’s rival in love. The plot weaves together elements of slapstick, romance, and action, culminating in a series of misunderstandings and comedic entanglements that highlight the absurdities of the Prohibition era.

George K. Arthur should have done more

George K. Arthur’s portrayal of Peter Good is both endearing and comical. His character’s bumbling innocence and earnestness provide a sharp contrast to the more cynical or savvy characters he encounters, making his misadventures all the more humorous and poignant. Gertrude Olmstead’s Amy provides the romantic motivation for Peter’s quest, though her character serves more as a plot device than a fully developed persona. Charles Murray adds a layer of comedic antagonism that enriches the narrative.

One of the film’s highlights is the performance of Joan Crawford in one of her earliest film roles. Though her role as the tomboyish Jane is not central to the plot, her charismatic presence on screen is palpable, hinting at the star quality she would soon become famous for.

William Wellman brings the goods

William A. Wellman’s direction in “The Boob” showcases his early flair for combining action with comedy, a skill that would define his later works. Wellman’s adept use of visual gags and pacing helps the film move briskly along, maintaining audience engagement through its tight runtime. The film’s silent era slapstick style is complemented by Wellman’s attention to framing and timing, which enhances the comedic elements without relying heavily on intertitles.

The cinematography, typical of the mid-1920s, relies on static shots and medium close-ups that focus on the actors’ expressive performances, crucial in the silent film era. The rural American setting provides a picturesque backdrop to the film’s events, captured effectively through the camera work.

More Prohibition era commentary

“The Boob” offers commentary on Prohibition, depicting the era’s bootleggers and law enforcement with a light touch that nonetheless hints at the larger societal issues prompted by the 18th Amendment. The film pokes fun at the ineffectiveness of the prohibition laws and the often absurd situations they created, resonating with audiences who were familiar with the day-to-day realities of the Prohibition era.

Furthermore, the film explores themes of heroism in unexpected places, suggesting that even the most unlikely individuals can make a difference in their communities. Peter’s transformation from a love-struck fool into a town hero, albeit through a series of comic missteps, speaks to the film’s underlying message of self-improvement and courage.

Some Final The Boob Thoughts

“The Boob” is a delightful comedy that provides insights into its historical context while offering entertainment through its characters’ antics. While it may not have the depth of character development seen in modern cinema, its charm and historical significance make it a worthy watch for those interested in the evolution of film comedy and the silent film era. The performances, especially by a nascent Joan Crawford and the competent George K. Arthur, along with Wellman’s direction, make “The Boob” an engaging piece of cinematic history.

The Boob arrives on Blu-ray from Warner Archive

The Boob kicks off a double feature Blu-ray from Warner Archive. I’ve split the contents into two reviews for specific focuses on each movie. However, neither one features any special features. But, the A/V Quality is fairly consistent with recent academic restorations. While neither film was a big movie in its day or in the history books, it’s a nice sampling of where Warner Brothers was in this era.

Will these movies make you a fan of silent cinema? Probably not. But, it’s a great piece to go deeper on for someone that might already love silent comedies and dramas. The 1080p transfer and DTS-HD 2.0 mono tracks are better than I expected. So, I hope it sells well enough to guarantee future trips back to this well.

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