Watch That Little Band of Gold

That Little Band of Gold is a silent comedy film from 1915, directed by Mack Sennett, and featuring some of the biggest names in early Hollywood. The film stars Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, Mabel Normand, and Ford Sterling, and follows the story of a couple who elope to get married, but soon regret their decision and embark on a series of misadventures.

The film begins with Arbuckle as a young man working as a janitor in a dance hall. He sees Normand dancing with a group of men and is immediately smitten with her. The two quickly fall in love, but they face opposition from Normand's father who disapproves of Arbuckle's lowly occupation. Determined to be together, the couple decides to elope and get married in secret.

However, things quickly start going wrong for the newlyweds. They are unable to secure accommodations in any of the hotels in town, and are forced to spend the night in a barn. The next day, they discover that their marriage certificate has no legal standing since they were married by a drunk minister. Desperate to make it official, they try to find another minister, but end up angering the local constabulary in the process.

Meanwhile, Sterling, a wealthy man who is also in love with Normand, keeps trying to interfere with the couple's plans. He offers Arbuckle a job as a chauffeur, and then double-crosses him by locking him in his car and driving away. Arbuckle escapes and is reunited with Normand, but they are soon confronted by Sterling and a group of angry locals who are determined to stop them from getting married.

The rest of the movie is a series of slapstick set pieces and chases as Arbuckle and Normand try to navigate their way through the chaos. There are scenes of them stealing a car, getting chased through the streets by the police, and even jumping onto a moving train. Through it all, they remain devoted to each other and determined to get married.

That Little Band of Gold is a classic example of early Hollywood slapstick comedy. The film combines physical comedy, chase scenes, and a bit of romance to create a light-hearted and entertaining story. While the humor might feel a bit outdated by modern standards, there is still a certain charm to the film that makes it worth watching.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it showcases the talents of the three lead actors. Arbuckle, Normand, and Sterling were all major stars in their own right, and seeing them working together in one film is a real treat for fans of classic Hollywood. Each actor brings their own unique style to the film, with Arbuckle providing the physical humor, Normand adding some romantic charm, and Sterling serving as the villain.

Overall, That Little Band of Gold is a fun and light-hearted film that is sure to delight fans of classic Hollywood comedy. While it might not have the same level of polish or sophistication as later films, there is a certain charm to the clunky sets and exaggerated performances that is hard to resist. Anyone looking for a bit of lighthearted entertainment should definitely give this film a watch.