Previously, Balladeer’s Blog examined the 1910-1915 silent films of pioneering comedienne Mabel Normand. This time around I’m taking a look at her 1916-1920 work.
FATTY AND MABEL ADRIFT (1916) – This 34-minute film is not only one of the most popular shorts teaming Mabel with fellow comedy legend Fatty Arbuckle but it’s one of the most popular silent comedies ever. When Fatty wins Mabel’s hand in marriage his jealous rival (Al St. John) sabotages their honeymoon cottage by the sea.
The cottage drifts further and further out to sea and is gradually sinking, prompting some comedy set pieces from our stars as they struggle to survive. They send their dog Fido to shore with a plea for help attached to his collar and get rescued by a tycoon on his yacht. The villain gets his. Continue reading






Here’s a mid-week current events roundup from 

“In the past I’ve mentioned how foolish it is to think that Harrison Ford MUST play Indy in all the movies. James Bond and Tarzan are just two recurring heroes that have survived multiple casting changes over the years. 



Trump’s bill also fulfills his pledges regarding “no taxes on tips, overtime, or social security.” Plus there’s the biggest middle class tax cut in history and full funding for the Border Wall.
It may be my fondness for mythology that makes me love to watch particular movies around particular holidays. I say that because many of the well- known myths were recited on ancient holidays when their subject matter was relevant to those festivities. The stories helped accentuate the meaning of the special events and that’s the reason I love holiday-themed movies. 




