Held Up for the Makin's (1920)

Held Up for the Makin's Poster

Showing the difficulties that could occur if smoking is prohibited.

Film Overview
"Held Up for the Makin's" is a quiet short funny movie launched in 1920. As a part of the "Whirlwind" series presented by Century Comedies and Universal Film Manufacturing Company, this movie is widely remembered for its innovative storytelling and amusing plot. The central character is played by veteran star Charles Dorety, representing the ultimate quirkiness normal of such early 20th-century funnies.

Plot Synopsis
The storyline focuses on a meek and mild character Charlie, whose life comes across an abrupt twist as he is incorrect for a notorious criminal and gets entrapped in a chain of complicated, amusing scenarios. The title of the movie "Held Up for the Makin's" is a pun that nods to the truth that Charlie is mistaken for an outlaw (someone who "holds up" others), which then leads to a series of joyfully disorderly occasions.

In the plot, Charlie is a fully-committed tobacco user, who unfortunately lacks his tobacco supply. Resolute in his determination to get a smoke, he chooses to interrupt a poker game occurring nearby. The busy poker gamers naturally end up being upset with Charlie's persistent interference and, in an unfortunate twist of occasions, Charlie is mistakenly recognized as an infamous criminal.

Upon learning about their mistake in identifying him as a criminal, the poker players provide a genuine apology to Charlie. Nevertheless, the cops have already caught the wind of the alleged well-known bandit's activities and they start chasing him with earnest. Charlie ranges from the police officers in a traditional chase series that, although including threat, is rendered in a simply comedic style. The remainder of the film involves Charlie attempting to leave the police and clear his name.

Style & Reception
"Held Up for the Makin's" showcases the standard physical humor that characterized the quiet movie age, with slapstick, chases, and misconceptions providing the funny. The movie's storyline, although simple, has plenty of humorous weaves that keep the audiences engaged throughout its duration. The efficiency of Charles Dorety as a misconstrued innocent male on the run from the law is as amusing as his physical funny.

Just like lots of silent films from the duration, prints of "Held Up for the Makin's" are uncommon, but the film still preserves a location in film history as an example of early twentieth-century humor and cinematic storytelling techniques. The complex yet amusing situations faced by the lead character, a traditional chase series, marked this film as an ultimate comedy of the quiet film era.

Conclusion
"Held Up for the Makin's" is a silent comedy movie that makes use of physical humor and misconceptions to effectively convey a comedic story without making use of discussion. In spite of the constraints of the time, the movie manages to mesmerize audiences with its wit and charm. The ageless appeal of silent-era comedies like this one continues to entertain audiences even today, affirming to the long-lasting power of visual humor and well-paced comic timing. The humorous plot and remarkable performance by Charles Dorety make this movie a notable entry in the record of early funny cinema.

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