In the silent year of 1925, the popular American comedian Herr Larry
Semon, adapted, produced and starred in Frank Baum's greatest children
's book "The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz"and this German count finds it is
possible to say that it is a perfect film vehicle for Herr Semon but
no
one else in the story. Except for that popular silent comedian, there
is no room or chance for the other characters; Dorothy ( Dame Dorothy
Dawn ) is no more than a supporting character( no trace of Toto ) and
the great wizard seems no mightier than a magician's apprentice.
The first half of the film might be described as "A Farmhand (
obviously Herr Larry Semon himself ) In The Pratfall Land Of Texas"
where a lot of sight gags are displayed, especially the inventive use
of many animations tricks (amazing to this German count) The second
half of the film or "A Scarecrow ( Herr Larry Semon himself again )In
The Slapstick Land Of Oz", includes funny and elaborate and very well
assembled scenes with walker boxes and hungry lions.
Due to the omnipresent Herr Semon , the rest of the cast has little to
do. Oliver Hardy (The Tin Woodsman) and Dorothy Dwan were regular
supporting actors in many of Herr Semon comedy shorts. Dame Dwan is
pretty old for her character so it is no great loss that her part is
so
minor but it's a pity in Herr Hardy's case, especially since he has a
triple role.
"The Wizard Of Oz" is, in spite of it all, is an interesting oeuvre
but
Herr Larry Semon's artistic selfishness and his presence in almost
scene becomes a kind of artistic egocentrism; a great classic becomes
no more than a vanity project.
And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because
this German Count must go to Berlin, the nearest place to Oz.
Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien
http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com/
