Frauds and Frenzies (1918)

Frauds and Frenzies Poster

The story is of two convicts always trying to escape, until one day when they actually manage to. They meet up with a girl and become rivals for her charms.

Introduction
"Frauds and Frenzies" is a 1918 movie that falls under the classification of silent short funny, directed by Allen Curtis. The film tells the amusing bad luck of a young man followed by spontaneous choices deriving from a complicated inheritance, a curious innovation, and a series of unexpected repercussions.

Plot Overview
The lead character of "Frauds and Frenzies", depicted by Neal Burns, finds himself acquiring a massive fortune from his eccentric uncle, on the quite peculiar condition that he needs to spend $1,000 a day without investing it in business. Therein starts the ludicrous journey of the lead character who tries to dissipate his funds in outlandish ways to inherit the pot of gold at the end of this accomplishment.

Character Study
Neal Burns portrays a pleasant and interesting character, showcasing exceptional comic timing. His performance, together with the other cast members, makes the plot a delightful watch. The eccentric uncle character adds a fascinating twist to the story with a strange will draft that drives the plot. Gilpin, the conman, brings a layer of dispute and difficulty to Neal's currently intricate task. Gilpin's attempt to defraud money adds intrigue and suspense to the storyline.

The Major Plot Twist
Contributing to Neal's challenge is a conman named Gilpin who discovers a remarkable "believed projector" created by Neal's ambitious inventor friend. Utilizing this gizmo, they aim to predict pictures of robberies, producing a craze amongst the public and the police. This gadget generates a series of amusing circumstances, each more absurd than the last. The comical technique to the 'believed projector' contributes to the light-hearted slapstick humor and facility of the motion picture.

Conclusion
"Frauds and Frenzies" revolves greatly around its comic aspects, engaging the audience throughout. While frivolous and elegant costs link the inheritance plot and the thought projector plot, what really mesmerizes the audience is the combined humor produced unsuccessfully trying to accomplish Neal's objective and the comical frenzy triggered by the thought projector.

In the end, Neal discovers that the terrible joke was on him. His fortune was just a mirage; there was no real inheritance. Nevertheless, he finds himself unburdened and happier for it. The climax presents a fittingly amusing touch as Neal realizes the worth of love over cash.

Legacy of the Film
"Frauds and Frenzies", in spite of the age and absence of dialogue, owing to its status as a quiet film, is amusing due to the slapstick funny and farcical storyline. The film's unreasonable plot and excessive comical approach are representative of the crazy humor period in the quiet film industry-- a true delight for enthusiasts of classic comedies with eccentric characters browsing through hilariously improbable scenarios. The movie leaves an enduring impression as an ultimate early 20th-century funny cinema classic.

Top Cast