Speedy Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Speedy
Year: 1928
Director: Ted Wilde
Country: US
Language: English

During the silent era, three film comedians stood out from the rest; Charles Chaplin (The Gold Rush), Buster Keaton (The General) and Harold Lloyd (Safety Last!) All three were immensely popular with the crowds and incredibly wealthy, making more money than they could dream of. All three had unique characters; Chaplin had a Tramp, Keaton was stone face and Lloyd had thick glasses and a straw hat. While most credit Chaplin as being the silent humanitarian, it is worth noting that Lloyd had very similar themes. These themes are very apparent in Speedy.

The lead character "Speedy" (Harold Lloyd) loses his job as a soda-jerk, then spends the day with his girl at Coney Island. He then becomes a cab driver and delivers Babe Ruth to Yankee Stadium, where he stays to see the game. When the railroad tries to run the last horse-drawn trolley (operated by his girl's grandfather) out of business, "Speedy" organizes the neighborhood oldtimers to thwart their scheme.

Made one year after The Jazz Singer captivated studios to produce "talkies", Speedy would be Lloyd's last silent picture. Arguably it can be seen as Lloyd's greatest film, though many would give that prize to Safety Last (1923). Speedy is a tale of love vs greed, humanity vs corruption, people vs corporation. Lloyd stands up for the oppressed people of soon to be depression era New York. It is quite beautiful and astonishingly powerful.

Speedy is also remarkably funny.  His impeccable timing and elaborate stunts are abundantly on display and his athletic abilities are of razor sharpness. Some gags are very unique, never thought of before in a silent film. Other gags have been used, but are slightly more shocking and funny in the hands of Lloyd. Much of the film was shot on location in Manhattan, so even the background is full with small yet interesting details about America in the 20's.

In conclusion, Speedy is a breathtaking and clever film that can be watched many times. In this you will find yourself rooting for the hero with more intensity that you ever had with a film. It will give you great hope in humanity, as well as a passion for standing up for the common man. Praise it! 5/5