GET OUT AND GET UNDER

Cinemavixion Review

In the silent era's burgeoning landscape of cinematic comedy, Harold Lloyd's "Get Out and Get Under" (1920) stands as a charming testament to the era's burgeoning automotive obsession and the universal anxieties of young love. This short film, directed by the prolific Hal Roach, follows a new car owner through a series of escalating mishaps that are as endearing as they are slapstick. Lloyd, in his signature everyman persona, navigates the complexities of a temperamental automobile, which becomes a central character in its own right, mirroring the protagonist's own struggles with romantic entanglements. The plot, while simple, is executed with a delightful pace. The narrative cleverly intertwines the protagonist's quest for love with the unreliable nature of his new vehicle. Each breakdown and mechanical failure serves not only as a source of physical comedy but also as a catalyst for plot development, often leading to unexpected, and humorous, resolutions. The supporting cast, including Mildred Davis and Fred McPherson, provide able foils and companions to Lloyd's energetic performance. "Get Out and Get Under" offers a valuable glimpse into the early days of film comedy, showcasing the ingenuity and physical prowess that defined stars like Lloyd. It’s a film that celebrates the simple pleasures and predicaments of everyday life, rendered with the infectious optimism characteristic of early 20th-century cinema. For enthusiasts of silent film history and classic comedy, this short is a worthwhile discovery, highlighting the enduring appeal of Lloyd's unique brand of humor and storytelling.