Flicks

So, I've been watching films from the National Historic Film Registry...first was "Duck Soup," the Marx Brothers film.  On the one hand, it was pretty funny, gag-wise; but it also had a dated feel, mainly because (I suspect) much of the physical comedy -- which was imperative in the Vaudeville Era -- is simply gone, and thus largely beyond the scope of our experience.  Not that it wasn't funny, but now...our films have a lot less of it; look at say, "Airplane!" or the Leslie Nielsen films; they have less, compared to what is done now...I think it has more effect that way.

To be sure, it was not as dated as "Pups is Pups," which was a Little Rascals skit from the 1930s or so...whoa.  I mean, now people would cringe at the obvious stereotypes (which is the only reason there was such a multicultural cast) and, I realize I am hard-hearted and NOT one for kids, but... the thing wasn't that funny, anyways.

I also watched "Steamboat Willie" (sort of cute) and the footage from the 190^ SF Earthquake (more the aftermath); I suspect nowadays, with war and devastation a click away, it's not biggie, but in 1906...well, I am sure it was pretty stark for people to see...which makes it historically and culturally significant.